The MMR vaccine is an injection that prevents you from catching the following three diseases. Measles can cause ear infections, pneumonia, fits and inflammation of the brain. Sometimes it may prove fatal to life. Mumps can cause meningitis, which can cause deafness. It may cause inflammation of the pancreas, nausea and vomiting. Rubella, also called German measles, causes heart damage, blindness, deafness and brain damage. It can also lead to miscarriage.

Single vaccines are recommended less often as compared to combined vaccines. There are a number of reasons why the vaccines aren't given singly. Single vaccines put more lives at risk therefore; they are not licensed in the UK and have not passed the safety test. Single vaccines would prove to be less effective than MMR. Moreover, single vaccines are not verified to be safe and preventive. A single dose MMR vaccination has been found to cause autism and inflammatory bowel disease.

On the other hand, MMR single vaccinations have several other advantages which develop a desire for acceptance somewhat. A large number of people desire to have single dose vaccinations due to the fact that a single dose is easy to acquire as compared to that of combined vaccines. Separate dose vaccines have to be given over a longer time span.

Time is not the only reason; the children go through a painful exercise every time they are vaccinated. Due to long gaps between every dose it might become possible that fewer children acquire the full course. This leads to the fact that they are left unprotected against the diseases. Between wide intervals children may become vulnerable and catch measles, mumps, or rubella. They will transfer the germs to the other children who are still awaiting any vaccination. The most risky age to catch measles is under one year.

Children who are not vaccinated against MMR will be more susceptible to the virus. Some ten years back, almost half of the deaths of kids were caused due to measles, but after the children have started vaccines, the death rate due to measles has almost ended. Some children do get side effects. However, these are very uncommon after the first dose and even less probable after the second. Side-effects of the vaccine are generally mild and, most significantly, they are milder than the potentially grave consequences of having measles, mumps or rubella.

The mother of an unprotected child is also at a high risk of catching the disease. Pregnant women are the most vulnerable due to their unprotected children. If the children get an MMR single vaccination, the risk of catching the disease in the surrounding people will reduce to less than half.

The MMR vaccine may also be available to young people when they leave school or before they enter further education if they haven't already had both doses. There may be more hindrance before being completely vaccinated, leaving children at risk of infection from the diseases for longer.

If a person has received a single dose of one or more of the monovalent vaccines-that is, the single measles, mumps, or rubella vaccine-and a second dosage of vaccine is needed, they should receive their second dose in the form of an MMR vaccine.

Let's fly in the face of conventional wisdom right from the start. Are you wondering why a doctor would make such a statement as "Stay away from doctors and don't take pills?"

I have been an emergency room doctor for fifteen years and I used to see nothing wrong with people going to doctors. I also used to believe that pills had overall beneficial effects and that folks would be prescribed medications only when it was in their best interest.

I have changed my mind.

Over the years I have seen a constant parade of people whom I believe are worse off because they went to doctors and took pills.

Oh, sure, if your appendix is ready to burst go to a doctor. If you fall and you can't walk because the bone is sticking out of your leg, oh, all right, go see a doctor. If you have chest pain, can't breathe and feel like you're dying of a heart attack and would rather not let nature take its course, by all means, come see me in the ER!

Of course there are legitimate reasons for seeking the advice of a doctor, a practitioner of traditional western medicine, but, in so many cases not only is it not necessary, the plain truth is you would probably be better off to stay home and read a book. Really.

Let me explain.

Say, for example, you have a cough and your nose is plugged and when it does work there's green snot pouring out of it. You think, "Oh, I'd better go to the doctor and get some antibiotics. The last time I had this the doctor gave me a prescription for....... (fill in your own favorite antibiotic). Yes, the medical profession has trained you well. Job security, you know.

Are you aware that most cases of bronchitis and sinusitis are viral illnesses or related to allergies. Antibiotics do not kill viruses nor do they treat allergies. They kill only bacteria. Ergo, an antibiotic will not cure your illness. Oh, sure, you'll get better and you'll think the antibiotic pills did it, but, in truth, time and your immune system are what did it.

Also, antibiotics have been known to have adverse effects on the body. They can kill off the good bacteria that live happily and harmlessly on your skin, in your mouth, in your gut and in other unmentionable places, and, in so doing, allow more virulent bacteria or yeast to prosper and make you sick. They also can cause allergic reactions, sometimes life-threatening ones.

What! Antibiotics can make you sick? You bet.

So why in the world would you ever want to take one for a viral illness? Probably because you've been lead to believe that every ache and pain needs a pill and that every infection needs an antibiotic.

But you understand what I told you, right? This ain't rocket science. Would you like an example or two?

There is a diarrheal illness called pseudomembranous colitis, a fancy name for the diarrhea from hell. It is a condition caused by a toxin produced by clostridium difficile (c. diff for short), a bacterium that lives harmoniously in everyone's bowel. "C. diff. colitis", as we doctors lovingly call this condition that causes you to defecate uncontrollably, is caused by taking antibiotics: and just about any antibiotic can do it. C.diff can kill you.

You see, the good bacteria in you gut keep the c.diff bacteria under control. If the good guys get killed off by that antibiotic you took for your bronchitis then c. diff can grow in large numbers and produce its toxin. Believe me, after you have spent a day or two on the crapper, with a potentially life-threatening illness you will see the wisdom of avoiding unnecessary antibiotics.

Another problem with antibiotics is that over the years, since the successful introduction of penicillin, antibiotics have been prescribed so much that bacteria, the little bugs we are trying to kill, have become resistant to them, necessitating the development of more and more powerful drugs to kill the stronger bacteria. You might have heard of one of these bacteria, MRSA (methecillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus). MRSA seems to be everywhere now and is just one example of the fact that bacteria will continue to outsmart us. The unnecessary use of antibiotics has been a major factor in the development of resistant bacteria.

Another example of the ability of medications to cause harm is a condition called Steven Johnson's Syndrome and its ultimately lethal cousin, toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). These conditions can develop as drug reactions to certain antibiotics and unless the patient has a previous history of such a condition, the doctor has no way of knowing that it will happen. TEN causes huge blisters to form everywhere, with subsequent sloughing of the skin. It's the equivalent of having second degree burns over your entire body.

What a shame if you die a slow painful death after taking a medication you did not need in the first place.

Now that's what I call having a bad day.

The cord Blood which was discarded soon after the birth of a baby is regarded as a life saving device for the future generations of a family. It has thereby become imperative to save the precious blood which is rich in stem cells necessary for the treatment of several life threatening diseases. In the past ten years, several cord blood transplantations have been performed worldwide as an alternative for treating cancer and serious genetic disorders. The first cord blood transplant was done in 1988

There are various sources of retreiving stem cells and Umbilical cord blood is one of the three sources for obtaining the blood-forming cells used in transplants. The other two sources are bone marrow and peripheral (circulating) blood. It is collected at the time of delivery after the birth of the baby. The blood from the cord is collected carefully by the hospital staff who are trained in the service. It is then tested, frozen and stored at a cord blood bank for future use. The stored blood is called a cord blood unit (cbu).

The National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) Registry includes more than 70,000 cbu. Doctors search the NMDP Registry of adult marrow or peripheral blood cell donors and cbus to find a suitable HLA match for their patients who need a transplant. If selected, the matching blood is transfused to a patient. The transplant process is the same as for marrow and peripheral blood cell transplants

The use of cord blood transplants has grown for both children and adults. It is used more often in children because an umbilical cord holds a limited amount of blood. The number of blood-forming cells in a transplant should match the size of the patient - usually younger patients need fewer cells and older patients need more cells. Some cbus may not have enough blood-forming cells for some patients.

Doctors are trying different ways to increase the number of cells in a cbu so they can use cord blood for larger patients. One method being studied is to give a patient two units. Another method being studied is to grow the number of cells in a in a laboratory before giving it to the patient.

When your doctor searches the NMDP Registry, he or she will choose the best cell source for you. That may be marrow or peripheral blood from an adult donor or it may be a cb unit. A doctor might choose cord blood because of some of the ways it differs from marrow or peripheral blood.

A close match between the patient and the donor or cbu can improve a patient's outcome after transplant. Even though a closely matched one is always preferred, clinical studies suggest the match may not have to be as close as is needed for marrow or peripheral blood transplants. It can take two months or more to find an unrelated marrow or peripheral blood donor. A unit can be selected and delivered to the transplant center in less than two weeks. Your doctor may choose cord blood if you need a transplant quickly.

However there are chances that your doctor might not approve of Cord blood transplantation. The possible reasons for this are:

• There may not be enough blood-forming cells in a unit for the size of the patient.

• It usually takes longer for cord blood cells to engraft (begin to grow and create new blood cells and an immune system). Until the cells engraft, the patient is at a high risk for infection.

• Patients cannot get backup cells from the same cbu. If a patient's transplanted marrow or peripheral blood cells do not engraft or the patient relapses, the patient may be able to get a second donation from the same adult donor. After a transplant, this option is not available. However, doctors may be able to use a different unit or a backup adult donor instead.

Cord blood transplants also have all the same risks as marrow and peripheral blood transplants. The risk of infection may be higher after a cord blood transplant because of the longer time to engraft.

If you have questions about whether a cord blood transplant is right for you, talk with your doctor. Every patient's situation is different. Your transplant doctor knows your situation and can help you make choices about your treatment.

cord blood plays a vital role in the treatment of life-threatening blood diseases. In such a case cord blood transplant may be an option.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Melvin_Ngiam

Today, there is a lot of debate whether you should visit a doctor solely in his office, or is it possible to get what you need online through a consultation. Many believe only a doctor who sees you can adequately write a prescription for your needs. While others think the convenience of telling a consultant online is easier and more affordable.

What are the benefits of an online consultant?

There are various reasons why a person may prefer this method. First, you may be embarrassed about discussing particular medical problems with your own doctor. The online consultation will make this unnecessary, and relieve you of the worry.

Second, with doctors' fees as expensive as they are you may not be able to afford to visit a physician whenever you need a specific prescription. When you obtain your prescription medication online, you will not have to pay high doctors' fees. You will also not be in the position of waiting for appointments with your doctor, when you need your medication immediately.

You may ask, "Don't I need a physical exam before getting a prescription?"

If you have been hesitating about trying this new method because you believe a physical exam is a necessary requirement for getting a prescription, you can note that in many instances your doctor will prescribe a medication without an examination. In many cases, all that is really important is to know your medical history. This way, it is clear whether or not you need the medication, and also whether you have any preexisting conditions which would make taking certain medications unwise.

Your medical history can be thoroughly reviewed through an online consultation. It is the surest and safest way to ensure that you get the specific medication you need for your condition, as well as knowing that you will not purchase something that may be harmful to you.

Plus there are other added benefits.

You may find that obtaining your prescription medication online is at a much lower cost to you than if you were to purchase it through your local pharmacy. In addition, you will have the opportunity to learn more about your condition, without having to pay high costs for a doctor's visit in order to gain this information. It may be the least costly and most efficient manner of getting the prescription medication you need.

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The biggest decision you have to make following the diagnosis of an illness is what treatment(s) will work the best. If you listen to the news, read magazines or surf the internet you'll know that there is no shortage of opinions about illness, treatments and healthcare. Getting a second opinion should be routine and yet many are afraid to approach their doctors about a second opinion. Is feeling intimidated enough of a reason not to get the best treatment available?

Why A Second Opinion?
The second opinion isn't generally obtained in hopes of reversing the doctor's diagnosis, in most cases that's magical thinking. The second opinion is requested because of the old saying "Two heads are better than one". The truth is that even though we want to believe our doctors have our best interest at heart, if you examine their caseloads carefully, they usually have some bias lurking in the background.

The bias is not negating the importance of treatment or recommending a valuable treatment option. The bias leans in favor of the diagnosing doctor's specialty. Ever watch Grey's Anatomy, ER or other medical dramas either fact or fiction? If you watch these shows carefully, surgeons want to perform surgery, and that's just one example.

Second opinions should be on your radar screen so that you have options. The decision about treatment is yours, yes, it's made in conjunction with your medical team, but they don't have the final say. You want options because there may factors the doctor doesn't take into consideration when making a treatment recommendation. If the side effects are severe and you still have to work to support a family is that the right treatment options. Are there newer medications out on the market that are taken less often, don't need to be refrigerated, better tolerated? These are some of the reasons to obtain a second opinion.

Factors That Make a Second Opinion a Top Priority
There isn't one single person that can know everything about everything, not even a doctor. When you receive your diagnosis you need to find out how common or rare not only your disease is, and if applicable the specific characteristics of your disease. For instance if you have cancer you want to know what stage is the disease. If you have arthritis what type of arthritis, there are many diseases that fall under the arthritis category. The second opinion can lead you to someone whose specialty is your specific diagnosis.

If you are having trouble communicating with your doctor you may choose to get a second opinion to make sure you're receiving all the information you need. The outcome of the second opinion may be changing doctors, but you're the CEO of your health.

Geography may tip the scale in favor of getting a second opinion. In no way am I making a judgment about the healthcare provided in rural communities. The truth is the numbers don't lie. Greater population centers have larger medical institutions and greater resources like newer equipment. When receiving a second opinion in a more populated area, the specialist will have a treated a greater number of patients and that experience can't be bought.

It doesn't matter what disease you have, getting a second opinion should be offered when considering treatment options. We are in an age of specialization. Don't you want to go to the expert? Don't you want to know what the latest and greatest is on the medical frontier? If your doctor is not doing research or follows the research closely, getting a second opinion from a leader in the field is not a bad idea. Doctor's don't take the second opinion personally. They should want what you want, the best possible outcome for getting you as health as possible.

Get more ways to empower your medical decisions! Receive your FREE copy of the special report "The 5 Pillars of Health and Healing". As a bonus you'll receive the inspiring multimedia program "Instilling Hope for Health". Both the report and the multimedia program are FREE and available at http://www.survivingstrong.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Greg_Katz

HOW YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM WORKS AND FAILS

This article reviews the basic function of your immune system and how it can fail. The results can be devastating. To understand the immune system I have used an analogy of a military defense system.

THE TWO COMPONENTS OF THE HUMAN IMMUNE DEFENSE SYSTEM:

The human immune defense system consists of two main components, the innate and adaptive. The innate component is so named because it is a general defense system. It is not specialized or specific but consists of basic defenses such as barriers, guard cells and an alarm system. The adaptive component is also aptly named because it develops or adapts over time as a more specialized and specific response.

THE INNATE IMMUNE SYSTEM AS A SECURITY SYSTEM:

The innate immune response is the automatic defense mechanism against potential foreign invaders such as bacteria, viruses, molds or parasites. It is analogous to defensive barriers, alarms and guards intended to protect or defend us personally or as a society. Such defensive barriers around our borders or sites of value to us may include protective walls, electric fences, locked doors, security guards and automatic alarm systems. Such systems may include automatic motion activated lighting and alarm systems, and low level security guards. This defense though highly effective for most threats, is not very specific, highly trained or lethal against serious threats. It also can be penetrated or breached easily though it may be linked to an alarm system that can signal for help. Therefore, we need the protection of more highly trained and specific defenses of the adaptive immune response.

THE INNATE IMMUNE SYSTEM CALLS FOR HELP, THE SWAT TEAM, DELTA AND GREEN BERETS:

With the ability of the innate system to signal for help and the adaptive systems ability to develop over time highly trained and specialized cells and antibodies our body has a better protection against various infections and diseases. In out culture, our adaptive protective system includes specially trained police or military such as SWAT teams, green berets, and the delta force. These forces are mobilized when there is an alarm or request for highly specialized and trained protection or defense. Though they may simply arrest or contain a threat they have the ability to mobilize a lethal force when necessary. However, with this amount of power or force available, innocent bystanders can be injured or killed if there is poor communication or identification of threats or potential invaders. This is how the adaptive immune response works.

INNATE IMMUNE SYSTEM COMPONENTS AND CELLS EXPLAINED:

Our innate immune defense response is then automatic and a nonspecific system. It consists of the barriers such as the skin and the intact intestinal wall of the digestive tract. The intact intestinal wall is similar to a fence or wall. It is patrolled by certain immune cells that are like security guards or rent-a-cops, guarding the body. This includes white blood cells circulating in the blood or present in the intestinal lining. Circulating white blood cells typically include cells known as neutrophils, eosinophils, and natural killer T lymphocytes. Lining the intestinal wall (skin and respiratory tract) are other white blood cells and immune cells such as basophils, dendritic cells, phagocytes and macrophages. In the intestine white blood cells present in small numbers may be mobilized to the area for specific threats. These include eosinophils, mast cells and neutrophils.

THE BERLIN WALL OF THE GUT:

The intestinal lining is normally an intact barrier except when signaled to allow some bigger particles through such as certain proteins or other nutrients. The intestinal tract lining has a single layer of cells of the epithelial cell type. These cells are joined tightly, shoulder to shoulder, through a scaffolding of proteins, such as occludens. These tight junctions can open up on signal, from proteins such as zonulin. Certain normal signals permit the opening of the gaps between the lining cells, the paracellular spaces, or decrease the tight junctions resulting in increase intestinal permeability transiently. However, abnormal stimuli can trigger opening of the tight junctions resulting in abnormally increased intestinal permeability or leaky gut. When tight junctions open up wall of the gut may become abnormally permeable or leaky allowing it to be penetrated by foreign proteins including bacteria, viruses, molds, parasites and intact food proteins or lectins. Impairment of gut wall integrity or barrier function is an abnormal innate immune defense. It is like an insecure border, fence or wall.

KILLER CELLS AND THEIR WEAPONS OF IMMUNE WARFARE:

Various immune cells of the innate response can release chemicals to contain or destroy invaders if they are near the area of an impaired barrier or they recognize that an invader is trying to get through just like a border patrol or roving security guard. Some of the tissue based immune cells destroy the invaders by actually eating them (phagocytes, eating cells and macrophages, large eating cells). They also are able to clean up left over debris and promote healing in a nonspecific manner.

HIGHLY SPECIALIZED IMMUNE FIGHTER'S MISTAKES RESULTS IN DANGEROUS FRIENDLY FIRE:

The adaptive response is one that is highly developed and specialized (trained) in humans. It has a memory. When combined with alarm systems from the innate immune system, a rapid, specific, and directed immune response that is also quite powerful can be activated or triggered. However, when such a system is activated, it can also lead to serious collateral damage to the surrounding tissues and cells. If the response bogs down and cannot deactivate itself an ongoing autoimmune condition without an exit strategy can result. This can result in chronic injury to the cells and tissues that is characteristic of what we know as autoimmune disease.

SPECIAL FORCES OF ANTIBODIES CAN MAKE IDENTITY MISTAKES:

The adaptive response includes the development of specific antibodies or immunoglobulin (IgE, IgM, IgG, IgD, IgA) to infectious agents and proteins the body recognizes as foreign (antigens). Sometimes the body misinterprets or mistakes self-proteins or tissues as foreign. When antibodies are made against self-proteins they are called autoantibodies. Examples include antinuclear antibodies (ANA) of lupus and rheumatoid factors or antibodies of rheumatoid arthritis. The result is these classic autoimmune disorders.

SPECIAL KILLER CELLS NECESSARY FOR DEFENSE AGAINST INVADERS:

The adaptive immune system also includes specialized activated lymphocytes: natural killer T cells, T helper lymphocyte cells, and gamma delta lymphocytes. The latter are also part of innate immune system. Tiny brief lived cell called the plasma cell are also part of the adaptive system. Because the adaptive system has a memory, and is highly trained for future anticipated attacks it can increase its response over time. That makes the adaptive system highly effective in defending us against foreign invaders such as serious infections but also highly dangerous to us if it becomes activated against our own cells or tissues.

AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE RESULTS FROM WELL INTENTION DEFENSES GONE AWRY:

The analogies used should help you better understand how our immune system works and how it can fail. It also helps explain how we can develop autoimmune diseases, new abnormal reactions to foreign proteins such as foods resulting in food allergies or sensitivities and how an abnormal gut barrier or leaky gut can be dangerous. Certain good bacteria residing in our gut actually help maintain our intestinal wall barrier function, act as antibiotics killing bad bacteria and inhibit other bacteria and yeast from taking over our system.

To learn more about how to maintain a healthy gut, healthy life visit http://www.theFoodDoc.com today.

The Food Doc, Dr. Scot Lewey, is an expert medical doctor who specializes in digestive diseases and food related illness, celiac disease and colitis. Dr. Lewey's has over two decades of professional experience and personal and family experiences with food intolerance. He is the founder of the website http://www.thefooddoc.com and an expert author, clinical researcher and speaker. Visit his site today to learn more.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr._Scot_Lewey

The keyword pet meds is abbreviation of pet medications. The pet medications or meds include the pet drug or pet medicine especially compounded for the pets. These are those med pet supplies that are essential to keep good pet health.

Pet keeping is very much in vogue all over the world. The pets are domesticated for companionship or amusement, so, it becomes the duty of the masters to take proper care of their pets and keep them in good health.

Pets are pets after all, they easily fall prey to numerous pet diseases and ailments. The major cause of pet illness is careless pet grooming and lousy pet cleanliness or hygiene.

The pet meds play cardinal role in pet grooming and keeping good pet health. A master needs to have a professional savvy about pet medication or pet medicine or pet drug. There is a great plethora of pet medicines available on the counter. One needs to have ample of knowledge to pick the right and effective ones.

These pet medications are sometimes quite expensive and they force people to search for discount pet meds or discount pet drugs, even cheap pet medications some times. One can have access to the online pet medication.

The pets are the important members of society. They should always be kept in good health. Their disease should be nip in their buds, as these may be transmitted to humans also.

You can now compare prices and order prescription medication from an online pharmacy without leaving the house, but you should be aware of the potential risks involved. Some of the considerable benefits of purchasing medication online are: considerable cost savings, privacy, convenience and better access to cheaper generic medication. Some online pharmacies also provide useful information about medication and diseases.

There are also considerable health and other risks involved for the uninformed consumer. The importance of consulting a doctor before ordering prescription medication online cannot be emphasized enough. These drugs can have serious or fatal side effects when taken incorrectly, for the wrong indication, or when interacting with other medication you may be taking or while having other medical conditions. Be careful of taking the advice of someone offering a free consultation online. Some websites that sell medicine are not pharmacies at all, won't protect your personal information and may give an incorrect diagnosis and/or sell you medicine that is not right for you or your health condition.

Even with a proper prescription in hand, you should be careful of where you purchase online. According to the FDA, some medicines sold online are fake, are not manufactured according to safe standards, are too strong or weak or have dangerous ingredients, have expired, are not labeled, stored or shipped correctly and have not been approved by the FDA for safety and effectiveness. Some controlled medications can be extremely dangerous when not taken under medical supervision and should never be purchased online. You can find a list here: FDA: Don't buy on the net

Make sure that the offshore online pharmacy has a valid U.S. DEA registration if selling controlled substances, has a valid pharmacy license in the country it is operating from and accepts the Pharmacy Standards Agreement.

An online pharmacy should adequately protect your personal and financial information. Check the site's privacy policy, it should ensure that your personal information is not shared with third parties. Online financial transactions should be secured by adequate encryption technology. The site's address and telephone number should also be clearly displayed. Be careful of additional fees that are typically added to the drug price. A shipping fee is standard, but there may also be a medical fee, order fees, and/or an account set up fee.

nterWeb to Build Chinese Preventive Medicine Association a Massive

Internet Community With Free Member Web Sites and Free Email

Houston InterWeb Design (OTCBB:HITD) announced today that it has signed an agreement with the China Preventive Medicine Association (CPMA) to build an enormous Internet community for more than 800,000 preventative medical professionals. This contract is the latest in the series of InterWeb's joint ventures with the Chinese government. In the last two weeks, InterWeb has announced that it has teamed up with the government to put 5,000 years of traditional medicine online and that it has also set up a joint venture with the Ministry of Culture to launch the first major MP3 site supported by the Chinese government.The CPMA is a national academic body under the direct leadership of the Ministry of Health. The Chinese government has always attached significant importance to the policy of "prevention first". Since 1949, the number of preventive medicine professionals in the areas of prevention, health care, education and scientific research has grown to more than 800,000 people today. At present the CPMA has approximately 100,000 members consisting of scientific and technological professionals in the fields of preventive medicine. The association publishes 32 periodicals on specialized subjects such as occupational medicine, hygienic insecticide, food hygiene and erroneous diagnoses. CPMA is a member of the World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA) According to the agreement, Houston InterWeb will build an enormous Internet community for CPMA. The new portal will become the new home for CPMA's members, unorganized medical professionals and anyone interested in preventive medicine.

"This is a major undertaking," says Harry White, CEO of Houston InterWeb. "We'll put all of the CPMA's periodicals online, thus enabling practically anyone to have access to valuable scientific information online. CPMA members will enjoy free email, and by utilizing our SiteBlazer(TM) technology, they can even build their own Web sites at no charge."

"By putting all of the preventive medicine related information on one gigantic site," White explains, "CPMA will be able to encourage professional interaction and promote continuous academic learning. More importantly, CPMA can use the site to popularize preventive medical science and technology to raise the awareness of self health care to the entire nation. It will also promote the development of the scientific and technological achievements to its members. CPMA understands how important it is to share information to enhance academic and scientific growth."

For more information on Houston InterWeb, please visit www.hiwd.net.

Safe-Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: The statements contained herein that are not historical are forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements, including but not limited to certain delays beyond the company's control with respect to market acceptance of new technologies or products, delays in testing and evaluation of products, and other risks detailed from time to time in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. This information is not a recommendation to buy or sell securities of Houston InterWeb Design (the Company). Merger Communications (Merger) is a media relations firm employed by the Company. Merger and the Company believe that all information in this release has been obtained from sources considered reliable, but cannot guarantee that the statements presented herein are accurate or complete. Merger, its officers, directors and employees own 66,800 shares of the Company's common stock. According to the long-term agreement between Merger and the Company, Merger's compensation for its financial media relations services includes 40,000 shares of the Company's common stock and five-year warrants for an additional 60,000 shares exercisable at $4.00/share and 60,000 shares at a price determined at a later date. Merger typically has a long position in the securities of the companies in which it distributes information, and Merger may be buying or selling securities in the course of its regular business. For more information on Merger's services, visit www.mergerusa.com.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) assembled a panel of national health experts, including physicians with expertise in internal, family, emergency and infectious diseases medicine, to develop evidence-based guidelines for evaluating and treating adults with acute respiratory illnesses. Joining the CDC were the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American College of Physicians-American Society of Internal Medicine and the Infectious Diseases Society of America. The complete treatment guidelines were published in the March 20, 2001 issue of Annals of Internal Medicine, and they can be viewed online at http://www.annals.org/ issues/v134n6/full/200103200-00013.html. Excessive use of antibiotics in ambulatory practice has contributed to the emergence and spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the community. The majority of antibiotics are prescribed for acute sinusitis, acute pharyngitis, acute bronchitis and nonspecific upper respiratory tract infections (including the common cold). A large proportion of these prescriptions will provide no benefit to patients. The goal of the principles is to provide clinicians with practical strategies for limiting antibiotic use to the patients who are most likely to benefit from it. These principles should be used along with effective patient educational campaigns and enhancements to the health care delivery system that facilitate nonantibiotic treatment of the conditions in question. Penicillin resistance to Streptococcus pneumoniae has increased in an epidemic manner in the past 10 years. Resistance to macrolides, doxycycline, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and second- and third-generation cephalosporins has also increased. Special attention to antibiotic-resistant profiles of S. pneumoniae is warranted because this pathogen is the leading cause of community-acquired bacterial pneumonia, bacterial meningitis, bacterial sinusitis and otitis media in the United States. The major risk factors for carriage of and infection with antibiotic-resistant S. pneumoniae are geographic location, recent exposure to antibiotics, especially for a prolonged period, and exposure to young children. The risk of being an antibiotic-resistant S. pneumoniae carrier is two to nine times greater in persons who have recently used antibiotics. In adults hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia, mortality was significantly associated with high-level antibiotic-resistant S. pneumoniae. Intervention strategies aimed at reducing community use of antibiotics should address the management of acute respiratory infection through physician and patient education at the household and office levels. Acute respiratory infections are the most frequent reason for seeking medical attention in the United States, and they are associated with up to 75 percent of the total antibiotic prescriptions written each year. Antibiotic treatment of a cold, an upper respiratory tract infection or acute bronchitis is usually inappropriate because the majority of these syndromes have a nonbacterial cause. Using antibiotics for treating sinusitis and pharyngitis is justified if it is limited to appropriate subsets of patients The panel also examined the possible benefits and harms of following these prescribing principles.

Potential Benefits of Indiscriminate Antibiotic Prescription. Some physicians may prescribe antibiotics because they believe that they might help a small fraction of patients. There will always be specificoutcomes that cannot be measured. Indiscriminate use may also prevent complications of other undiagnosed bacterial infections or remote cases of a bad outcome.

Potential Harms of Indiscriminate Antibiotic Prescription. For patients, risks include allergic reactions, adverse reactions, drug-drug interactions, and the increased likelihood that a pneumococcal infection in the following months will be caused by an antibiotic-resistant strain. This could also serve to medicalize viral illnesses, taking away the ability of individuals to care for self-limited illnesses, leading to unnecessary office visits and prescriptions.

Potential Benefits of Limiting Indiscriminate Antibiotic Prescriptions. Besides decreasing the risks to patients and affecting health care costs, the desired effect would be reducing, and possibly reversing, the increase in antibiotic-resistant S. pneumoniae.

Potential Harms of Limiting Antibiotic Prescriptions. The perception is that not prescribing antibiotics will lead to patient dissatisfaction with care and more return visits. The decision to prescribe an antibiotic for acute respiratory infection is a result of complex interactions among the patient, physician and the health care system. Patient expectations and demands for antibiotics have been singled out in some studies as having a strong association with excess antibiotic use. Also, other studies have found that as patient volume increased, the limited time physicians have to discuss nonantibiotic alternative treatments has also been a problem. Rates of antibiotic prescriptions for upper respiratory infection increases as patient volume increases.

NEW YORK -- The Wall Street Transcript has published an in-depth interview with Christopher Fey, Chairman and CEO of U.S. Preventive Medicine in which he talks at length about the Company.

The entire 2,500 word interview is available free online at http://www.twst.com/ceos.htm.

U.S. Preventive Medicine[R] was formed to organize and commercialize the market for proactive, preventive health services. The company's mission--to improve the quality of health and longevity of the individual, by partnering with physicians, health systems and employers to organize and advance a culture of prevention resulting in More Good Years [R] for all--is delivered through a continuum of comprehensive products and services aimed at early detection and prevention of disease.These include: The Centers for Preventive Medicine which partners with health systems, academic medical centers and physician groups to offer advanced diagnostics that may identify disease even before symptoms occur; The Prevention Plan[TM], a new health care benefit offering a variety of preventive health tools for employers and individuals to assess, manage and reduce health risks; and U.S. Care Management[TM] a wholly-owned subsidiary of USPM that provides disease management and prevention services to employers, health care organizations and government agencies to improve outcomes and reduce the cost of care among chronic disease populations, When asked why long term investors should look at the company Mr. Fey stated," One need only look at the stories in the various media today, from the Internet, newspapers, magazines and television. We have a health care crisis in this country. We have a sickness focused $2.5 Trillion industry that is not working. People are getting sicker and costs are going up. U.S. Preventive Medicine([R]) provides a solution to this crisis."

Regarding the company's competition Mr. Fey stated, "We certainly expect this company to face competitive threats in the future, but we don't see anyone as organized, focused, or as smart, tough and tenacious as we are. We also intend to consolidate this industry, so when competitors do emerge, we hope to bring them under our fold to grow the brand, as well as to strengthen our leadership position."

The Wall Street Transcript does not endorse the views of any interviewees nor does it make stock recommendations. For subscription information call 800/246-7673.

Family physicians taking the American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM) examinations can prepare for certification or recertification at the American Academy of Family Physicians' (AAFP's) Family Medicine Board Review courses. The six-and-one-half day programs will be offered in Seattle from April 17 to 23; Kansas City, Mo., from May 15 to 21; and Greensboro, N.C., from June 5 to 11.Lectures will be offered in internal medicine, geriatrics, surgery, pediatrics, women's health, and obstetrics. Breakout sessions will include electrocardiogram interpretation; nutrition; common ear, nose, and throat problems; and management of chronic pain.

The history of Chinese herbs used for medicinal purposes dates back to sometime between 800 and 200 BC with the publication of Huang Di Nei Jing - The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine. At this time, a combination of 28 separate Chinese herbs had been discovered to have great healing power and the combination of many of these are still in existence today.

By around 500 AD, Chinese herbs had been sorted into a classification system that helped guide their use depending on the particular situation. Superior herbs were used to help sustain health – much as we use herbal and vitamin supplements today; middle herbs were used to treat illness; and inferior herbs were used to cure disease. Chinese herbs have been credited with successfully treating everything from acne to infertility.

In today’s world, where traditional medicine tends to focus on the methods employed in Western medicine, much of the uses of Chinese herbs are largely passed over. But for those who look towards non-traditional medicine as a means of recovering health or even as a supplement to traditional medical care, they will find the benefits of Chinese herbs to be rooted in ancient knowledge and a history of success.

Chinese herbs can be found in a variety of places including medical offices following the Eastern practice of medicine, Asian markets, and even online. But the use of Chinese herbs, while most often safe, should be used under the guidance of a medical professional and after extensive research has been performed.

If there is an interest in using Chinese herbs to help supplement health or treat an existing condition, it is best to research those herbs that have shown success in these particular instances. Seek out a medical professional or someone well-versed in the use of Chinese herbs to determine the best way to proceed.

When Chinese herbs are used in conjunction with education, preparedness, and medical supervision, they can be a fantastic tool to achieving overall, natural health.

Did you know that over 180,000 people search for information on acne everyday, out of which 77,000 want to know more about acne medicine ? And that there are over 22 million sites talking about acne, and acne medicine, treatment and products ? This tells me a few things. One, there are many people out there suffering from acne, and they are interested in knowing what kind of acne medicine is available to help them cure their problem. Equally, there are millions of available acne treatments and products out there. Obviously, no one acne medicine is suitable for any one person then.

First, a quick review on what acne is. It is what the layperson calls "pimples" or "zits". There are different forms of acne, and all can occur at the same time, though one stage does not necessarily progress to the next. There are comedones, or blackheads and whiteheads, as they are usually called. Then there are acne spots caused by bacteria, leading to inflammation, resulting in a red possibly painful swelling called a papule. If the papule does not subside spontaneously, a pustule may form. This heals by discharging pus. A severe enough reaction may cause a lot of deep damage, leaving behind scars.

Acne medicine has different purposes. There is acne medicine to prevent acne. There is medicine to prevent infection of the acne. And there is medicine to prevent scarring from the acne. Finally, there is medicine to minimise the effects of acne scarring, should scars form.

Acne medicine can be divided into those that are applied to the skin - called topical acne medicine, and those that are taken orally - called systemic medicine.

Topical treatments come in the form of creams and lotions. There are two main types of topical acne medicine . The keratolytics , which act by peeling off the top horny outer layer of the skin, so helping to dislodge the comedones ( blackheads and whiteheads), and the antiseptics, which attempt to get rid of harmful bacterial action. Examples of keratolytic acne medicine include benzyl peroxide, Retin A, and sulphur. Examples of antispetic acne medicine include iodine ( eg Betadine), chlorhexidine, zinc salts, which are frequently incorporated into acne creams and lotions, azelaic acid.

One of the main problems with topical acne medicine is that they can be rather harsh. They can cause skin irritation and inflammation. Some, like retin A cannot be used during pregnancy. Sulphur containing acne medicines can be extremely smelly, like rotton eggs !

Generally topical acne medicines work well for those with mild acne. A good number can be simply bought over-the-counter without the need of a doctor's prescription. And for many, this may be the only treatment required for acne.

Please visit www.acnemed.info for more information on topics relating to acne medicine and the treatment of acne. Do add in some of questions you may have so I can put up relevant information that others are interested in.

You inherited your genes from your parents, along with the “energy” they possessed — what ancient Chinese doctors referred to as “Chi.” The strength or weakness of your inherited energy plays a definite role in your level of immunity, and your predisposition to certain types of illnesses. For example, if someone’s parents are smokers, it is likely that they will inherit “unbalanced” lung energy. That imbalance will be the very thing that predisposes the next generation to smoking, or other practices which deplete lung strength.

The same is true with the liver, if one’s parents consume too much alcohol. This is how patterns of physical problems show up in families, generation after generation. But even though you can inherit genetic vulnerabilities, you can also strengthen yourself, and mitigate, or even eliminate, potential health problems through the age-old health practices of Oriental Medicine like acupuncture & acupressure, Chinese herbal formulas, and Chi Kung.

The Power of Oriental Medicine
Oriental Medicine is an economical health care experience that yields results. Many of the stress-related discomforts and illnesses you face today are preventable, and effectively treated using Oriental Medicine. By focusing on rejuvenating and maintaining your body’s vitality and immune system, Oriental Medicine addresses the specific health challenges you face today and works to prevent disease tomorrow.

Kitty Bradshaw is a licensed acupuncturist, with an advanced clinical degree in Oriental Medicine. Studying and working with Oriental Medicine since 1986, Kitty combines Traditional Oriental Medicine with Taoist healing methods to offer healing possibilities beyond the level of standard health care. Her deep understanding of Chinese medical herbs, combined with her intuitive abilities to diagnose and treat difficult problems, has helped many people regain and maintain their health

Chinese Traditional Medicine (CTM) has a history of more than 5,000 years. It has a complete theory about the occurrence, development and treatment of diseases. According to CTM theory, the occurrence of diseases is the in coordination between Yin and Yang and the treatment of diseases is the reestablishment of the equilibrium between them. Yin and Yang are the two concepts from ancient Chinese philosophy and they represent the two contradictories in everything.

In CTM theory, Yin and Yang are used to explain physiological and pathological phenomena of the body. They are also the principles of diagnosing and treating diseases. Roughly speaking, there are two common ways of CTM curing diseases: drug therapy and non-drug therapy. As for drug therapy, traditional medicines are used such as herbs, mineral, animals, etc. As for non-drug therapy, there are acupuncture and moxibustion, massage, cupping.

According to statistics, Traditional Chinese Medicine is better for the treatment of diseases of viral infections, immune system, cardio-cerebrovascular system and nervous system without causing any side-effects compared with western medicine.

The strength and flexibility of Chinese medicine is a direct result of the Chinese philosophical views and understandings from which the medicine is drawn. Chinese philosophy provides us with different approaches to viewing our nature, the workings of our bodies, the manifestation of disease and the process of healing. While it is true that no single system of philosophy holds all of the answers, the Chinese framework provides us with a wealth of guidance and practical techniques to foster physical and mental health.

If you fancy finding more knoledge and information about organic Chinese natural herbal products, please visit http://www.chineseteaandherbs.com

We simply wish to share valuable healthcare knowledge with people. Of course there are also many products you can buy online, if you wish.