A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection that begins in any part of the urinary system, from the kidneys, to the ureters or bladder and urethra. Women tend to be at greater risk of UTI and are generally prescribed antiboiotic treatment, which in some cases can lead to recurrent infections due to increasingly resistant bacteria. There are, however, natural remedies for UTI that could prevent the need to antibiotic treatment.

Urine is generally a sterile fluid and infection will only occur when there is an introduction of outside bacteria. Escherichia coli (E. coli) causes about 80% of urinary tract infections in adults and can be diagnosed through urinalyisis and culture performed by your physician.
Not everyone experiences symptoms with a UTI, but general symptoms can include:

• A strong urge to urinate
  
• A burning sensation with urination
  
• Passing frequent, small amounts of urine
  
• Flank or back pain
  
• Lower abdomen discomfort or pressure
  
• Fever
  
• Blood in the urine (hematuria) or cloudy, unusual smelling urine
  
• Bacteria in the urine (bacteriuria)

Primarily, treatment should include disinfection and alkalinizaiton of the urinary tract. Many have heard of the use of cranberry juice for treatment of UTI and in a great number of cases this can be beneficial. Cranberry juice (the un-sweetened kind, not Ocean-Spray) and blueberry juice (un-sweetened) have anti-septic properties that can prevent the growth of bacteria in the urinary tract. More specifically, cranberry juice prevents the attachment of bacteria to the walls of the urinary tract. Freeze-dried cranberry capsules can also be taken as a supplement.

Research suggests the following:

• Women are three times more likely than men to suffer from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Women are twice as likely as men to suffer from Runner's Knee (Chondromalacia Patella, or Kneecap Pain)...
• 41% more women than men (41 million vs. 29 million) suffer from Arthritis in general.
• Women are more likely to have Osteoarthritis of the Knee and thumbs
• Women are more likely to get rheumatoid arthritis
• Women are more susceptible to footwear-induced ankle sprains than men
• Women tend to suffer more often from fibromyalgia
• Women develop osteoporosis more often as well as earlier than men

Biologically, there are several situations for women (unlike men) that demand additional care to manage today's fast paced multi-tasking lifestyle. This means that her healthcare and fitness needs differ greatly from those of a man. Let's discuss some of the more intense orthopaedic problems that women suffer from than men.

CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME: is the name for a group of problems including numbness, pain, tingling, especially in early mornings and weakness in the hand. It is often the result of swelling inside the carpal tunnel, which places pressure on the median nerve.

WHY WOMEN: Research suggests that because women's wrists are on average, 10 % narrower due to which women can be more susceptible to crowding in the carpal tunnel passage. Hormonal changes during pregnancy and menopause can also contribute to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and are exclusive to women. Women also suffer more often from thyroid problems which are directly linked to Carpal tunnel syndrome.

TREATMENT: wearing a wrist brace, especially at night, as one part of therapy. Treatment may also include medications, stretching and strengthening specific wrist muscles and changing the position of the wrist while in use. If symptoms persist, a physician may recommend injection or surgery. Surgery of carpal tunnel is a very simple and successful surgery which instantly and permanently cures the symptoms

ARTHRITIS: Arthritis means an inflammation of a joint eventually leading to wear and tear. End result is a painful and deformed joint. 60 % of people who have arthritis are females, and several of the more common forms are more prevalent in women. Apart from pain, stiffness in joints, redness around the joint, swelling and difficulty in performing the day to day activities are the most common symptoms.

WHY WOMEN: For reasons unknown, women are most likely to get arthritis. The most common type is Osteoarthritis which is really wear and tear and essentially not a disease, mostly affecting women over 40 years. Rheumatoid Arthritis: 70 % of people with this type of arthritis are women, according to the Arthritis Foundation. It is inflammation of the synovium (lining) of the joints and can result in painful damage to the joints, affecting in the age group of 30 onwards.

CHONDROMALACIA PATELLA OR RUNNER'S KNEE: The pain is infront of the knee, especially while running, walking or ascending/descending stairs. This condition is caused by softening of patellar cartilage as well as mechanical alignment abnormality of patella.

I am looking for people with a disorder called Castleman's Disease. 

I am looking for people with a disorder called Castleman's Disease. 

I read an interesting article today from WalletPop.com about simple ways to cut your medical costs.  I am a huge proponent of preventative health.  The way I keep my costs down is I STAY HEALTHY so I don't have to pay money to doctors and hospitals!  Unfortunately, I do have to visit every once in awhile, so I found the information in this article helpful.  In a nutshell, here is what I got out of it:

I just thought to write a quick blog about what I see the differences are between Obama's health care plan and McCains.  In my view, both have some good ideas, but who knows if either will ever be able to reform health care the way they are saying.

The Oath and Law of Hippocrates, sometimes referred to as the Hippocratic Oath, is perhaps the first document outlining what I term as “Responsible Healthcare.” It is the responsibility of the physician, or anyone providing health care to a patient, to administer that care to the best of their ability. To use all of their knowledge, extensive training and their education to give quality care and ultimately, do everything in their power to save lives – one life at a time.

Protect your family by knowing the perils of Internet prescribing and by choosing your physician and pharmacy wisely

As most everyone knows, you can get just about everything you want these days through the Internet. Obtaining prescription medications both legally and illegally is no exception. There are many pharmacies that have legitimate Internet websites and conduct their business in a professional and legal manner. My concern is that they are in the minority today and the public's safety is at stake. Young people are especially at risk from the ease of access to potentially dangerous medications when used inappropriately.

As a kid, I remember all the excitement leading up to a big thanksgiving dinner one November afternoon. In preparation for a huge extended family reunion, my mother was cooking the biggest feast you've ever seen. She was frantic with all the details and wanted me to help. I don't remember everything about that day, but I do remember that my mom asked me to help set the table. At that moment, getting the table set was the most important thing in her life. After all, you can't eat until the table's set.

It's interesting how fast things can change. After one quick phone call, setting the table became an afterthought. The call informed my mother that her cousin, her cousin's spouse and their two children, who were traveling to our house for the reunion, were in an automobile accident. The parents had been killed and the two young boys were in the hospital. Suddenly, our priorities for that whole weekend shifted from plates and silverware to making sure that two newly orphaned toddlers received the care they deserved.