All posts tagged United States

Internal Medicine Jobs

By blogger on

The internal medicine field is a specialty which concentrates on the diagnosis, management and non-surgical treatment of unusual or serious diseases. Specialists in this medical field are usually called “internists,” but in some areas are also referred to as “physicians.” Most internists specialize in a subcategory of internal medicine which focuses on problems with one particular organ inside the human body. Sub-specialties include: Cardiology (heart), Endocrinology (endocrine system), Gastroenterology (digestive system), Hematology (blood), Infectious Diseases (virus, bacteria, and parasites), Medical Oncology (cancer), Nephrology (kidneys), Pulmonology (lungs), Rheumatology (inflammation disorders), Adolescent Medicine, Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology, Critical Care Medicine, Geriatric Medicine (aging), Interventional Cardiology, Sleep Medicine, Sports Medicine, Transplant Hepatology, Allergy and Immunology.

Internists study and train not only to diagnosis and treat severe chronic diseases, but also when more than one disease strikes an individual patient. Other organs and conditions internists may also treat are the skin, ears, substance abuse, mental health, nervous system and reproductive organs. The elderly population of the United States usually has an internist as their primary medical practitioner.

Internists must successfully complete extensive study and training. After completing a four-year undergraduate program at a university or college, the candidate must successfully enter and complete medical school, which usually takes an additional four to five years of study. Afterwards, the medical student enters a residency program which is approximately one to two years of supervised training. If the internist wishes to specialize in a subcategory of internal medicine as mentioned above, another three to ten years is spent in that particular specialty under a fellowship or internship program. If the specialty is more complex then more than ten years may be required.

Certification examinations must be taken by the internist. There are two organizations within the United States who certify internist specialists. They are the American Board of Internal Medicine and the American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine. For an internist specializing in allergy or immunology, the certifying board is the American Board of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.

In the field of internal medicine, internists are also expected to successfully complete continuing education courses. Their certifications must be maintained by passing the “Maintenance of Certification Examinations.” The Mayo Clinic offers an intensive course of study which prepares the internists to pass this exam. In addition, the Mayo Clinic offers other relevant courses for updating an internists skills and knowledge base. Some of these include, “Controversies in Womens Health,” which are medical conditions and treatments unique to women, “New Strategies for the Evaluation and Treatment of Congestive Heart Failure,” “Selected Topics in Rheumatology,” which highlights new advances in pathogenesis diagnosis and management of rheumatic diseases, “Pulmonary Hypertension Update,” which helps the internist increase knowledge in pulmonary arterial hypertension from making an accurate diagnosis to determining the best treatment option for the patient, and “Genomics in Everyday Medical Practice,” which discusses the importance of understanding the genomic basis of diseases and treatment effects, as internists must understand a patients genetic make-up to determine which therapies are the most effective.

Careers in Alternative Medicine

By blogger on

Although traditional medicine cannot replace modern medicine as far as diagnosis, investigation and emergency care are concerned, certain ‘alternative’ systems which focus on overall health, have shown remarkable and swift results even in chronic illnesses like diabetes, leucoderma, cancer as well as hard to cure diseases like arthritis, asthma and even AIDS.

Ayurveda

Ayurveda, literally meaning the science of life, aims at healing the individual as a whole, instead of merely at the molecular level. This ancient healing system is based on the theory that everything is composed of panchamahabhutas, or the five basic elements (akaash, jal, vayu, agni, dharti). The main source of our knowledge of Ayurveda is the Atharva Veda, which dates back to around 1200 BC.

Find Alternative Medicine Programs in the United States and Canada. With the phenomenal expansion of complementary and holistic therapies, there are growing numbers of healing arts schools that now offer alternative medicine programs to both practitioners and prospective students searching for unique career-training opportunities.
Of the numerous alternative medicine programs – massage therapy, holistic health, energy healing, and nutritional consulting are some of the more popular academic programs available today.

Alternative Healing Education
Alternative healing education provides courses to students that may lead to certificates, diplomas and degrees in the healing arts. In many instances, alternative healing education classes can encompass broad spectrums of noninvasive healing modalities such as aromatherapy, Ayurveda, energy healing therapies, herbology and herbal medicine, chiropractic, acupressure, and naturopathy to mention just a few. Some alternative healing education programs enable students to sit for local and national licensure exams; as in the cases of massage therapy, acupuncture, and chiropractic. Additionally, a number of alternative healing education programs include certificate courses that help students to become certified in a wide variety of healing arts

Alternative Medicine Courses
Depending on your career interest, successful completion of one or more alternative medicine courses can lead to professions in naturopathy, natural health, homeopathy, massage therapy and Oriental medicine to list just a few. Alternative medicine courses in natural health, for example, can help students achieve required education to become natural health consultants, educators or natural health technicians. Naturopathy schools that provide alternative medicine courses are commonly comprised of comprehensive studies in naturopathy, phytotherapy, botanical and herbal medicine, aromatherapy, and other Chinese medicine subjects.

Alternative Medicine Colleges
Before registering in the wide expand of alternative medicine colleges, you should first determine which alternative medicine practice you would like to enter. For example, if you interested in chiropractic, be sure that the selection of alternative medicine colleges in which you choose to enroll offer this course of study. Some alternative medicine colleges provide training in a diverse range of health therapies including education in pathology-specific treatments, such as rheumatoid arthritis. Studies offered through alternative medicine colleges in this area may include diverse curriculums in botanical or herbal medicine, supplements and vitamins, hydrotherapy, mind-body therapies, Ayurveda, Chinese medicine, homeopathy, chiropractic, acupuncture and other massage therapies.

Holistic, alternative and complementary medicine

By blogger on

What is holistic medicine?

Holistic medicine (health) is more than just an alternative medicine or just a herbal medicine. Holistic medicine supports reaching higher levels of wellness as well as preventing illness. Not just with nutritional supplements, vitamins or herbs. Most important factor is your lifestyle. People enjoy the vitality and well-being that results from their positive lifestyle changes, and are motivated to continue this process throughout their lives. Holistic medicine (health) is actually an approach to life. Rather than focusing on illness or specific parts of the body, this ancient approach to health considers the whole person and how he or she interacts with his or her environment. It emphasizes the connection of mind, body, and spirit. The goal is to achieve maximum well-being, where everything is functioning the very best that is possible. With Holistic Health people accept responsibility for their own level of well-being, and everyday choices are used to take charge of one’s own health.

A recent positive trend has been in the medical schools, which are beginning to invite holistic physicians to lecture or to develop programs in the schools to complement their more conventional curricula. The National Institute of Health has developed an office to support and research holistic and alternative medicine practices. Some states are now passing laws to protect and support the practices of holistic providers, as they have sometimes been the subject of harassment by their more conservative colleagues, for their different orientation, techniques, and approaches to health care. With these current trends, the changing needs and perceptions by a more informed public, and the increasing scientific validation of holistic approaches, I see the holistic paradigm coming of agethe new frontier of health care and human awareness.

What is alternative and what is complementary medicine?

Alternative medicine: practices used instead of standard medical treatments. Alternative medicine is distinct from complementary medicine which is meant to accompany, not to replace, standard medical practices. Alternative medical practices are generally not recognized by the medical community as standard or conventional medical approaches. Alternative medicine includes nutritional supplements, megadose vitamins, herbal preparations, special teas, massage therapy, magnet therapy, and spiritual healing.

Integration of complementary and alternative medicine therapies (CAM) with conventional medicine is occurring in hospitals and physicians offices, health maintenance organizations (HMOs) are covering CAM therapies, insurance coverage for CAM is increasing, and integrative medicine centers and clinics are being established, many with close ties to medical schools and teaching hospitals. In determining what care to provide, the goal should be comprehensive care that uses the best scientific evidence available regarding benefits and harm, encourages a focus on healing, recognizes the importance of compassion and caring, emphasizes the centrality of relationship-based care, encourages patients to share in decision making about therapeutic options, and promotes choices in care that can include complementary therapies where appropriate.

Numerous approaches to delivering integrative medicine have evolved. Complementary and Alternative Medicine in the United States identifies an urgent need for health systems research that focuses on identifying the elements of these models, the outcomes of care delivered in these models, and whether these models are cost-effective when compared to conventional practice settings.

It outlines areas of research in convention and CAM therapies, ways of integrating these therapies, development of curriculum that provides further education to health professionals, and an amendment of the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act to improve quality, accurate labeling, research into use of supplements, incentives for privately funded research into their efficacy, and consumer protection against all potential hazards.

Preventive Medicine Can Reduce the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease

By blogger on

Preventive medicine is a specialized medical field that is aimed at preventing disease and promoting health. These doctors use their expertise for health issues that cause a major impact on certain populations. One such problem that these doctors specialize in is cardiovascular disease. This condition affects millions of people around the globe and is the leading cause of death in many countries, including the United States. Oftentimes, those who do suffer from this problem have several risk factors that with preventive medicine could be reduced or managed. These doctors help to reduce the factors in preventing these diseases as well as help those who do have cardiovascular problems by providing services and education for healthier heart living.

Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease Extensive studies have been conducted for identifying specific major risk factors for cardiovascular disorders. Some of these cannot be changed, while others can. Individuals who have more of these risk factors, have a greater chance of developing heart disease. Major contributing factors that cannot be changed include aging, being male and genetic predisposition. Among major factors that can lead to cardiovascular conditions and can be changed include smoking, high cholesterol, physical inactivity, high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, obesity or being overweight. Stress and consuming too much alcohol may also lead to heart problems.

Preventive Medicine and Cardiovascular Disease When visiting a doctor of preventive medicine in Kentucky for help to reduce the chance of developing cardiac disorders or for managing these conditions, the physician will do a risk assessment, which may include a stress test, advanced cholesterol tests and other testing to determine the condition of the cardiovascular system and what measures can be taken to prevent this deadly disease. Treatments may include a special diet, changes in lifestyle, medical nutrition therapy, nutriceuticals, phytochemicals, an exercise program, a smoking cessation program, expert cholesterol control and management, diabetes prevention and weight management. The treatment regime may also include vitamin therapy as well as certain supplements such as fish oil.

Educating Patients Education is a major role of preventive medicine physicians. Some offer specialized programs for optimal reduction of the risks of heart diseases, which may include a cardio-exercise program for individuals who are obese or overweight or those who have heart conditions. Other specialty programs may be directed at patients with diabetes or pre-diabetes, patients with a family history of diabetes or heart problems or those with high triglycerides and cholesterol. Programs usually include education about the causes of these conditions as well as benefits of exercising, changing lifestyle and diet. Medications, supplements, vitamins and phytochemicals are also discussed in regards to how they reduce the chances of developing cardiac disease.

Through The Correct Medicine And Keepfit Pre Diabetes Can Be Cured

By blogger on

Type II Diabetes has become somewhat of an epidemic of late. More and more folks are being recognized with this potentially life threatening condition. Type II Diabetes frequently sets on later in life, although more youthful people are being recognized every day with this condition. According to the American Diabetes Association, roughly 54 million people in the United States have pre diabetes. Pre diabetes is a form in which the blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be considered Type II diabetes. Even though pre diabetes is not a full fledged disease, it can also cause issues in the heart and blood flow if left untreated.

The good news in relation to pre diabetes is that with proper diet and the attention of a physician, you can get around being diagnosed with Type II diabetes. The condition can turn around by itself, but it will take effort on the function of the person, as well as conformity with the instructions directed by your physician.

Obesity is also an epidemic in the United States and a lot of in the medical community believe that this is contributory to the corresponding diabetic scourge. It is the general consensus of the health community that heaviness is a precursor to Type II diabetes. Therefore, those who have pre diabetes can stave off the affliction by making some good for your health life choices that will remove their requirement for medicine or insulin in later years.

One approach to overturn the effects of pre diabetes is to maintain a healthy weight. This can be easily achieved through diet plan and working out. For those who think that it is too much trouble to control their heaviness or whine that they do not have the time to keep fit, they need to appreciate that the time they use working out currently can eradicate their time spent on dialysis. Although not all people with diabetes suffer kidney failure, many do. And when the kidneys fail, these sufferers must spend many hrs each week, hooked up to a machine that functions as their kidneys.

Those who grumble that they do not want to pay attention to their eating habits can be reminded that it is easier to keep an eye on their eating plan than to inject themselves with insulin or monitor their blood glucose levels numerous times a day. Folks who consider that meals that are high in carbohydrates are less expensive than healthier choices can be reminded of the expenditure of medicines and doctor visits for persons who refuse to take control of their condition right away.

While some people are pre disposed to diabetes owing to genetic factors, some others acquire this affliction by eating too many bad carbohydrates, being inactive and not keeping a healthy weight. If you have been advised that you have pre diabetes, do not worry. You can overturn this state. Start an work out regime, even if it merely entails walking. Take a look at the Glycemic Index that explains which meals diabetics ought to keep away from and keep to these suggestions.

See your health care professional regarding being put on a weight loss plan and make certain that he or she continues to check your blood glucose levels. Pre diabetes does not have to turn into Type II diabetes. By developing a healthier lifestyle, you can overturn this condition and lead a longer, healthier life.