Health Community Centers--The Future of Health Care in the US

I propose the development of "Health Community Centers" in the US. The health care system needs to be redirected to serve people and not insurance companies and physician-businessmen. To that end, these Health Community Centers (HCC) will serve as posts for our citizens. Health insurance system should be a thing of the past; citizens will pay for the service when rendered at a minimal cost ($5-$15/visit). The HCC will be staffed with Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners. No physicians will be needed, except a regional physician to "supervise" the operation as a manager--not as a clinician. All hospitals and private clinics should be nationalized for the service of the public. Surgeons will be paid by the Republic a fix fee per operation ($100-$300/operation). Medical schools should emphasize community services and train their students for that role as managers for health care rather than providers. The whole health care system is broken because of the attitude of its providers--the physicians. More Physician Assistant and Nurse Practitioner programs should open, preferably the number of schools will exceed 1000 by 2012. Each program will graduate on average a 100 PAs and NPs. There will be enough quality providers for everyone. Imagine there is no physician, no health insurance, and a reasonable cost for health care.

Traditional Medical Schools

Western traditional medical schools are becoming obsolete in their approach to health. Physicians are focused more on how to handle filling for insurance, avoiding law suits for malpractice, and how to see as many patients in a 10-hour shift than really caring for their patients. A new breed of clinicians is being surfaced in USA where Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants are as competent in disease management as any physician, but they are willing to spend more time with patients without worrying about managing a business. Perhaps the model for health care in the immediate future is clinics staffed with NPs and PAs and one physician who is just hired to manage the clinic, but not to see patients. This will save cost and gradually eliminate the health insurance system. Patients want more caring clinicians and less business like providers.

Hospitalist With A View: Let The Cards Fall Where They May

Hospitalist With A View: Let The Cards Fall Where They May

Learn Basic Human Anatomy (Frequent Updates)

I. Body Sections and Terms

Three body sections are recognized:

a. Transverse: Top/Bottom or Superior/Inferior or Above/Below
b. Sagital (Longitudinal): Right/Left
c. Coronal (Frontal): Front/Back

Midsagittal section: Equal halves
Parasagittal section: Unequal halves

Cephalad: Directed to top of the head
Caudal: Feet direction

Medial: Toward midline
Lateral: Away from midline

Anterior = Front of
Posterior = Back of
Ventral = Abdominal side
Dorsal = Back side

Proximal = Nearer
Distal = Farther

Superficial = On
Deep = Under
Central = Within
Peripheral = Near or at the Rim
Internal = Inside

Afferent = Carries toward
Efferent = Carries away

Prone = Facing down
Supine = Facing up

II. The Bones

There are 206 bones in the body.

Head bones: Frontal; Nasal; Zygomatic; Maxilla; Mandible; Parietal; Temporal; Occipital; and Hyoid

The Vertebral Column: Cervical (C1-C7); Thoratic (T1-T12); Lumbar (L1-L5); Sacrum; and Coccyx

The Ribcage: Ribs (costals: 1-12); and Sternum

Clavicle

Scapula

The Ilium

The Upper Limb (Arm; Forearm; Hand): Humerus; Ulna; Radius; Carpals (8); Metacarpals (5); and Phalanges (14)

The Lower Limb (Thigh; Knee; Leg; Foot): Femur; Patella; Fibula; Tibia; Tarsals (7); Metatarsals (5); and Phalanges (14)

III. The Muscles
The Upper Limb: Triceps; Biceps; Wrist Extensors/Flexors; and Deltoid
The Lower Limb: Hamstrings; Quadriceps; Adductors; Gracilis; Tensor Fascia Lata; Sartorius; Soleus; Gastrocnemius; Anterior and Posterior Tibial; Flexor Hallucis Longus; Extensor Hallucis Longus; and Peroneus Longus/Brevis
Anterior Torso:  Pectoralis Major; Serratus Anterior; Pectoralis Minor
Back:  Middle Trapezius; Lower Trapezius; Spinal Erectors; Rhomboids; Latissimus Dorsi; Quadratus Lumborum
Abdominals: Diaphragm; Rectus Abdominus; External Obliques; Internal Obliques; Transverse Abdominals; Iliopsoas
Glutes:  Gluteus Maximus; Gluteus Medius; Gluteus Minimus; Piriformis
Head:  Masseter; Temporalis; Orbicularis Oculi; Zygomaticus; Frontalis
Shoulder (Rotator Cuff):  Supraspinatus; Infraspinatus; Teres Minor; Subscapularis
Anterior Neck:  Sternocleidomastoid (SCM); Scalenes
Posterior Neck:  Neck Extensors (Splenius Capitus and Splenius Cervicis); Upper Trapezius; Levator Scapulae

Which muscle is essential for the positioning and activities of the thoratic cavity?

Quadratus Lumborum

Which cervical joint is in charge of allowing flexion, extension, and lateral flexion?

Atlanto-Occipital

All of the following muscles share the same attachment site:

Bicep Brachii, Coracobrachialis, and Pectoralis Minor

Which muscle is a scapula stabilizer?

Serratus Anterior

Bilateral flexion of the cervical spine is an action performed by which muscle?

Longus Capitis

The human body is approximately ____ water:

60%

Which muscle is the most superficial of the lateral muscle of the abdominals?

External Obliques

The anterior and middle scalene share the same insertion point, what is it?

1st rib

Which muscle does not originate at the humerus?

Biceps Brachii

Which muscle larerally rotate the humerus?

Infraspinatus

The muscles that are in the ____ and the ____ help lift the arms into aBduction and down into aDduction:

Posterior/Anterior Thorax

Have a Wonderful Day

Hope

Here is Hope:

http://www.amazon.com/SELECTIONS-Minutes-Heaven-Inspiring-beyond/dp/0800719093/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1233366126&sr=8-1

Here is Hope

Total Number of Bones in Human

The total number of bones in human body is 206.

Calories in Foods

This is a list of some foods and their calories:

Brewed Coffee (1 cup) 5
Blue Cheese (1 oz) 100
Cottage Cheese (1 oz) 162
Whole Milk (1 cup) 150
Bacon Fats (1 tablespoon) 125
Olive Oil, Extra Virgin (1 tablespoon) 126
Vinegar & Oil (1 tablespoon) 72
Fresh Blueberries (1 cup) 81
Halibut (4 oz) 158

Random Error

If all things are exactly the same, life would be boring. If all things are so much different from each other, life would be too diverse. Neither scheme is acceptable. Thus, random error exists. No two stamps are exactly the same, no two chairs are exactly the same, no two humans are exactly the same. Life is diverse, but not too much so, that it looses its "connectivity". "Things" in life are usually described to follow a normal distribution. This distribution, as we learned it in school, has a perfect bell shape curve. A measurement that falls in the middle 95% of the distribution is said to belong to the whole; it is being one with the whole. Those measurements that are outside the middle 95% on either side are known to be too far from norm. The question is: if a measurement is located in this 5% zone, is it really different from the whole, or is it another manifestation of it? The answer to this question depends on the discipline you will use. A mathematician may answer the question in a totally different manner, than say a Rabbi. How would you answer it?

Why do my pills cost $3 each?

The cost of most pharmaceuticals is not in the actual "materials" being used in making the tablets or capsules. The cost is in the invention. It takes professionals to discover new drugs, test them for their effects, and prepare them into tablets and capsules. In addition, only a tiny fraction of new chemicals or agents ever make it to the market. (It is estimated that only one out of 20,000 new agents tested ever make it to the market.) Most manufacturers recycle a portion of their profit in Research & Development (R&D). R&D produces new drugs to cure diseases. Is this worth $3/pill?

Health Care: Is it a right?

Yes, it is a right. No one could afford living if it were a privilege. Many argue that the cost for health care will be too high if health care becomes "nationalized" by the government. This issue is definitely multi-facet. One of its components is who would deliver the health care. There is no reason not to see more Physician Assistant programs double or quadruple in number, and even perhaps ten times their current number now. There is a need to relax the rule for physicians needing to oversee physician assistants practicing in clinics. I could see "Neighborhood Clinics" staffed with physician assistants delivering quality health care for one-third of the cost. People could then afford to go and see a primary health provider--the physician assistant for perhaps a $15/visit, and there is no need for health insurance to dictate our life anymore. Reduce the number of physicians and increase the number of physician assistants. It is time that we took charge of our health care.

Communication between physicians and their patients concerning CAM

It is estimated that about 25% of patients communicate with their doctors concerning the use of alternative and complementary medicine (CAM). Although most primary care providers nowadays do collect information about the use of CAM therapies from their patients, most physicians do not discuss such modalities with their patients during routine visits. Patients should be encouraged to communicate their use of CAM with their doctors, since many of these modalities can interfere negatively (or positively) with pharmaceuticals.

Toll Free Number--McDonald's Nutritional Information

McDonald's Company provides this toll free number (May 2008) for their nutritional information of all their products:

1-800-244-6227

Vitamin C and Iron

Consumption of foods containing vitamin C yield to an enhanced intestinal absorption of iron. Foods such as oranges or parsley (rich in vitamin C) eaten with foods rich in iron (meat and rice) are good combinations for better iron absorption.

Herbs status in the United States

All herbal products in the United States are classified by the FDA as dietary supplements. Therefore, the FDA does not recognize any therapeutic value to them and it does accept any claim for them, except for those of "structure-function" relationship. According to the FDA, St. John's Wort cannot be marketed as a product for the treatment of depression, but rather it is for "mood enhancement". Thus, information concerning "effectiveness" about herbs (all herbs) is just that, information. And, no such information should be taken seriously or act upon it unless the FDA says so. Very few physicians are comfortable enough in discussing herbs use with their patients. And, until more evidence of safety and efficacy is available, according to the FDA herbs are just "dietary supplements" for now.

Salt intake and high blood pressure

Most people believe that salt (sodium chloride) plays a role in the development and maintenance of high blood pressure. This may be only a part of the story. Other minerals, in addition to sodium, are important with respect to maintaining a healthy blood pressure. These minerals are potassium, magnesium, and calcium. A low level of these three minerals may contribute to the development of high blood pressure despite normal levels for sodium. Consult your primary care provider regularly to check for an elevated blood pressure. High blood pressure is a silent disease and can lead to serious unwanted health conditions. High blood pressure should be closely monitored and treated by a physician.

Vitamin D

A 10-minute exposure to direct sun (hands and face) daily normally provides the needed daily requirement of vitamin D. Exposure to sun through glass does not produce vitamin D. Clinical studies have shown that the majority of people are deficient in this vital vitamin. Vitamin D is essential for intestinal absorption of calcium as well as assimilating calcium into bones. Some believe that this vitamin also plays a role in the immune system. Consult your physician for proper dosing with this vitamin, as high amounts of vitamin D can result in toxicity and other serious adverse events.

North Carolina Budget Growth

Holly Springs, North Carolina--Population Growth

The 100 Counties in North Carolina--Year Established

Testing Botanicals in vivo

The words "in vivo" mean testing compounds in living creatures (mainly animals). Rarely a botanical supplement is tested by its manufacturer in vivo. Although there are numerous in vivo studies done on "similar" preparations published in literature, manufacturers do not conduct such studies in-house. Clinical trials in human using dietary supplements may be conducted by major pharmaceutical companies, however, smaller manufacturers bypass them due to their cost.

Bug-Bites

Bee stings are acidic. Wash the sting with a dilute solution of baking soda. Wasp bites are alkaline, wash them with lemon juice or vinegar. Seek immediate medical help.

Bee and wasp stings are painful and can cause severe allergic reactions. More people dies in the United States from bee and wasp bites than all other venomous species combined, including poisonous snakes.

Beloved North Carolina State University Women's Basketball Coach Passed Away

We will all miss her. Coach Yow was the "salt of the earth". God bless.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/01/24/basketball.coach/index.html?eref=rss_topstories

Panax ginseng and lowering of blood sugar

The consumption of Panax ginseng may result in lowering blood glucose level in healthy and diabetic people. Patients with diabetes should consult their doctors concerning this serious adverse effect of this herb.

Mastalgia may be caused by Saw Palmetto or Panax Ginseng

The use of saw palmetto or Panax ginseng in women and men may result in an unusual side effect--an increase in the mammary glands density, also known as mastalgia.
For more information on ginseng and saw palmetto see:

http://www.amazon.com/Introduction-Botanical-Medicines-History-Contemporary/dp/0313350094

What percentage of our current western medicines is natural?

It is estimated that about 50% of all the drugs on the market have natural origin. About 25% of them are from plants and the other 25% are derivatives of components in plants.

Types of Smoke

First-hand smoke: directly from the cigarette.

Second-hand smoke: inhale from the air containing someone else's smoke.

Third-hand smoke: exposure to the solid residue left over on cloth and other items where smoking has taken place.

We haven't even scratched the surface yet

Almost 99% of potential natural cures are still undiscovered according to scientific reports. With all the wealth still to be discovered, it is up to us to keep nature from harm's way. The more we protect mother nature, she will protect us.

Northeastern University

For more information and features on Northeastern University (Boston, MA) see http://www.unigo.com/:

http://www.unigo.com/Colleges/UnigoReview/Default.aspx?CollegeId=129

St. John Wort and AIDS Drugs

A well known herb for the management of depression, the concomitant intake of St. John Wort with AIDS medications is contraindicated. This herb was shown to enhance the degradation of drugs by the liver enzymes, thus rendering them ineffective. For more on St. John Wort read:
http://www.amazon.com/Introduction-Botanical-Medicines-History-Science/dp/B001HBHX6K/ref=tag_tdp_sv_edpp_pop_t

Mucin/Pancreatic Cancer/Chemotherapy

A research study from Northeastern University (Boston, MA) has revealed the possible resistance mechanism of pancreatic cancer cells to chemotherapy. Scientists at the University conducted a study to investigate the effect the mucin coat around the cells plays in this resistance to drugs. It appears that the presence of mucin on the surface of cancer cells prevent or greatly restrict cancer drugs from entering the cells. For more on this subject read:
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/135803.php

Snow in Holly Springs, NC on January 20, 2009

Yes, it began after midnight and lasted until 3 PM.

We had about 7 inches of snow in total as measured from the snow height on the table shown in picture 3 above.

Saw Palmetto

This American Indian shrub has great effects on the urinary system. It is a diuretic and helps with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). In clinical studies, saw palmetto was as effective as pharmaceutical drugs in lessening the symptoms of BPH, with a fewer number and lesser severity of side effects.

Antioxidants and Chemotherapy

Drugs used to treat cancer (chemotherapy) may become partially or fully infective if taken with antioxidants. The reason is that some chemotherapeutic drugs' action is through free radicals formation. Antioxidants scenvage free radicals, thus reducing the effectiveness of these drugs.

Antioxidants

Free radicals play a major role in the development of many conditions including cancer, inflammation, and aging. The antioxidants act naturally to combat and neutralize free radicals. Examples of antioxidants are Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Selenium, and bioflavones. Fruits such as grapes and berries are rich in antioxidants.

Gastric Ulcers and Onion

In test tubes, onion was shown to be effective in killing H. Pylori, a bacteria known to cause stomach ulcer. However, clinical studies with onion fail to show effectiveness of onion in protecting the stomach against the development of stomach ulcers in people with H. Pylori infection.
For more on this subjects see:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001HBHX6K/?tag=yahhyd-20&hvadid=47044984011&ref=pd_sl_13ydr0sa5t_b

Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts

Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts offers a variety of health care options for those who are interested in becoming pharmacists, nurses, physician assistants, medical laboratory personnel, and others.

You will get the BEST education on the planet by attending Northeastern University. Welcome to Boston, Massachusetts, the home of Northeastern University.

Ginseng

Panax ginseng is native to China. The main active components of P. ginseng are the ginsenosides. Siberian ginseng is native to Russia. S. ginseng does not contain ginsenosides. Both plants are commonly used as general tonic for enhancing the stamina. Other uses and information on ginseng are found in:

http://www.amazon.com/Introduction-Botanical-Medicines-History-Contemporary/dp/0313350094

Potato Soup Recipe

If potato soup is appealing to your taste, here is a recipe:

http://recipes.lovetoknow.com/wiki/Creamy_Potato_Soup_Recipe

Ulcerative Colitis

It is commonly found in developed countries as a result of fat-rich and refined-food diet. Anti-inflammatory herbs, enzymes supplements, and acidophilus may be helpful.

Fibromyalgia

People who suffer from fibromyalgia have usually chronic pain, in particular in their shoulders, lower back, and neck areas.
Several approaches to managing fibromyalgia have been suggested. These are few:
1. A new mattress
2. Regular body work or massage to the affected area
3. Eliminate emotional issues or marginalize them
4. Magnesium and manganese supplements
5. Homeopathic spray formula of Human Growth Hormone
6. Grape seed extract
7. Valerian
8. MSM--A natural organic sulfur
9. Anti-inflammatory herbs
10. Malic acid supplements

Botanical Medicines for Infertility

Several methods, mostly in Traditional Chinese Medicine, are found useful in China. This book lists some of these methods for infertility:

Find it at http://www.amazon.com/Introduction-Botanical-Medicines-History-Contemporary/dp/0313350094

Onion

Naturopathic medicine believes that onion has anti-bacterial properties, lowers serum cholesterol, and fights against the development of cancer. Newer scientific studies on onion are encouraging, however remain inconclusive.

Cabbage juice

Folklore medicine suggests that cabbage juice may be helpful for goiter (enlarged thyroid gland).

Sage and Restoring Hair Color

It is said in folklore medicine that a tincture of sage applied on hair topically can restore the natural color of hair.

Selenium and Vitamin E

It appears that the effect of vitamin E is greatly enhanced with the concomitant administration of selenium. Brazil nuts contain a significant amount of selenium; two Brazil nuts provide the required daily amount of selenium for an average man (70 kg of body weight).

Smoking and Vitamin C

For every cigarette a person smokes, he/she looses 100 mg of vitamin C from their system. Vitamin C is an antioxidant and can protects tissues from free radical injuries.

Parsley and Vitamin C

One of the best vitamin C-containing herbs is parsley. It contains a much higher quantity of the vitamin than oranges! So next time you go to the restaurant, do not throw away that sprig of parsley on the side of your dish. Eat it.

The Botanical Garden in Damascus, Syria

It is just gorgeous garden.

"Cold Sores" During the Holidays

Have you noticed that people get more "cold sores" during the holidays? This is can be explained by two mechanisms:

1. People during holidays get stressed out. They may feel on the outside more relaxed, however, there is more stress during the holiday season that may lead to a weakened immune system. Thus, "cold sores" would appear because the virus that causes them is now free to roam and invades cells to duplicate.

2. Eating foods high in the amino acid arginine and low in Lysine (another amino acid) can cause the virus to duplicate freely. It turned out that arginine is essential for the virus to gain entry inside the cell in order to duplicate. Lysine can block its entry. However, eating foods during the holidays that are rich in arginine and low in Lysine makes it easier for the virus to propagate. An example of foods rich in arginine and low in lysine is the "holiday food" walnuts.

Happy New Year 2009: The Ten Healthy Life Commendments

Happy New Year 2009.

Healthy lifestyle is what most people aim to have every new year. Here are some elements of healthy lifestyle:

1. Exercise: varies among individuals
2. Eat healthy foods: vegetables, fruits, good quality protein (nuts), and fresh water; avoid fast and processed foods
3. No smoking
4. No alcohol drinking
5. Minimize caffeine intake
6. No soda drinking
7. Plenty of water drinking (at least 8 cups of 8 oz. each daily)
8. Herbal/Vitamins/Mineral Supplements: Choose a good standardized formula
9. Have a good attitude in life: Focus on the positives; minimize the negatives
10. A minimum of 7 hours of good sleep daily