Recuperate at Home with Home Health Service

Recuperate at Home with Home Health Service By Cathy Seiler

For people who need extended care after surgery, a fall, or who are experiencing health problems, home health service offer a new avenue of rehabilitation beyond the hospital or nursing home that allows patients and clients to stay in their own home, recover, and get well. Years ago, there were relatively few choices for a patient who needed after surgery or recovery care and who might not have someone at home to provide it. That has now changed, and the options available to patients continue to expand and grow.

In recent years, there has been a boom in the Home Health Industry due to an aging population. Research suggest that people recover more quickly from injury and illness in their own homes, around familiar surroundings, and where friends and family can visit more often. Because of a higher demand to be at home, and because home care service is typically cheaper than a hospital or nursing home, home health services have expanded their offerings to include a variety of services that allow patients to stay at home and retain their independence.

A home health service offers the traditional nursing functions that are found in a hospital or nursing home environment: basic medical functions such as giving medications, helping with bandage and dressing changes, checking vital signs; moving patients, giving baths, physical therapy, etc. Many now offer services beyond that: extended socializing with the patient (reading books and magazines, playing cards, talking), running errands, preparing meals, helping with exercise, shopping – the list goes on. Performing these extended functions really helps those patients who don’t have families, or whose families can’t be with their loved one around the clock.

Because home health service is typically cheaper than staying in the hospital or nursing home, insurance companies and Medicare will cover many of the costs of home care. It is important to check your policy carefully, and understand what services are covered for your type of illness, and for how long. A reputable home health service will work very closely with patients and families to determine exactly what is or isn’t covered, and to determine the best course of care for a particular patient.

If you are looking for home health service, make sure to shop around and carefully evaluate the different companies to find a good, reputable company. Make sure that the medical employees such as doctors, nurses, and therapists are registered and have experience in providing services needed. Ask for the average length of employment for employees. A good service should offer local and reliable references who can comment on the company and the services provided. Make sure to call references, and also ask around the community for references. Ensure that the provider has the services you are looking for, and that they are flexible enough to meet your needs. It is important to interview several health care providers, and to make your decision based on quality and cost, so that you get the absolute best care for the money you spend.

Home health service today offers so much to patients who are recuperating from surgery or illness. These services offered allow patients to recover comfortably in their own home, without stressing families who can’t provide many of those services, and they provide peace of mind and independence for recovering individuals. Investigating home health service options is something all patients should do if they are ill, or are experiencing health problems. Many patients and their families are pleasantly surprised by the different services many of these care services offer.

Cathy Seiler writes Home Health Service articles for her http://www.homehealthservice.info website. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cathy_Seiler

Elderly Care - Aged and Elderly Depression

Elderly Care - Aged and Elderly Depression By Ronald Rougeaux

Very often depression in the aged is not reported and treated due to the social stigma attached with this condition or due to plain ignorance on part of the family of the elderly person. This not only doesn't help them, but can worsen their condition and make them susceptible to other ailments... including sometimes suicide. Also, elderly depression can occur due to the death of a spouse...which increases lonliness. Also, side-effects from certain medicines or due to certain long-term illnesses like diabetes and arthritis can have a profound effect on depression. The depression must be treated as soon as possible.

Without fast treatment, it can lead to suicidal tendencies on part of the patient or death from premature heart attack, stroke and other serious diseases. ne group known to be at risk from depression in the elderly include widowed women. Others at high risk are those not being able to cope with stress in their lives. Low self-confidence due to diseases like cancer and loss of limb causing disfigurement can easily lead to depression. Many elderly may have a family history of depression and get depressed due to apprehension of dying. Some elderly may have an addiction to alcohol or drugs contributing to their depression.

So, what can be done to help depression in the aged? Counseling and a therapy of antidepressants can help. (note: always see a licensed therapist and physican). The therapist will prescribe antidepressants if they feel they are required. During initial prescriptions of these drugs the patient has to be watched carefully as the side-effects and results of a reaction can be serious. These medicines show their effect over a period of time since they are given in small doses. In fact, it wouldn't hurt to have a medical alarm for the depressed person just in case they feel the need to contact emergency personnel.

Psychotherapy is very effective in dealing with depression in the elderly as the patient can share their feelings and insecurities with the therapist. This helps them to identify the main problem and initiates a curative process to overcome depression. Of course, a loving family can help tremendously. Depression is a sensitive issue which, can be treated with love and patience along with therapy and medication.

Ron Rougeaux has written articles which can be seen at his website at: http://www.ElderlyHelp.info concerning elderly people and the aged on subjects of elderly care, abuse, retirement, medical needs, and much more...

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

A Medical Alert System Is A Lifeline For The Elderly Generation

A Medical Alert System Is A Lifeline For The Elderly Generation By Craig Thornburrow Craig Thornburrow Level: Platinum I am an avid writer and website designer with over 10 years experience of marketing on the internet....

One of the most well-known medical alert systems available today is "Lifeline." If you have elderly parents and are the sole caregiver, regardless of whether you live close by or far away, Lifeline offers you peace of mind and allows you to take care of your needs and that of your family.

Statistics assert that more than 60% of seniors are more likely to fall inside their home while over 30% may fall outside. In fact, further studies suggest that seniors over the age of 65 suffer hip fractures more often than not.

As children of elderly parents, sometimes it is difficult to keep abreast of their daily routine while all the time worrying that something has happened if telephone calls are unanswered. Lifeline medical alert system offers several measures that can alleviate most of the worry for both parents and caregivers.

You may have seen one of more medical alert systems on TV wherein they show a pendant that can be worn by a senior citizen to be used in the event they fall, or who suffers from a serious illness and cannot get to a telephone to call for help. By simply pressing the button on the pendant, they are immediately connected to the company who will dispatch an emergency service, contact a loved one, as well as a neighbor.

A medical alert system may also offer a communicator which is attached to the telephone and can be utilized on a 24 hours basis. Several of these communicators can be placed in the bathroom, where most falls occur, and other areas in the home as well. It enables a senior in distress to push a button on the communicator wherein a representative from Lifeline will be able to communicate with the individual. In fact, it works in conjunction with the pendant also.

Today, with so many seniors living alone, the risk of falling is on the rise. This places a great stress on their children, especially those who do not live within close proximity to their parents. As children of elderly parents, we go about our daily routines but are ever mindful that something could happen. Having a medical alert system in place relieves much of the anxiety many children of elderly parents experience on a daily basis.

More importantly, however, a medical alert system utilized by seniors living alone offers them the freedom to go about their daily routine. It relieves their anxiety and provides a connection to someone who they know will be there for them in case of an emergency.

Our parents took care of us from birth to adulthood; it seems only fitting that we take care of them in their senior years by ensuring they join a medical alert system service.

Craig Thornburrow is an acknowledged expert in his field. You can get more free advice on medical alert systems and medical alert systems comparison at http://www.medicalalertsolutions.com

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

Dangers of Assuming Medicare Covers Everything - Elderly Home Health Care Vs Assisted Living Costs

Dangers of Assuming Medicare Covers Everything - Elderly Home Health Care Vs Assisted Living Costs By Diane Carbo

Elderly home care is and will continue to be much more cost effective now and in the future. When considering the cost of elder home care versus assisted living costs, there are many factors to take into consideration. One consideration is to understand the trends of the health care industry, so that you can financially plan for your future. Many believe that Medicare will cover everything they need as they age. Although many realize that they need to financially prepare for the future, most do not investigate the cost and options of future care needs. Many do not feel that they can afford to invest in long term care insurance.

In 2008, Prudential Insurance did a study on long term care. The results, which will be followed up every year, had some alarming information regarding the costs that will pay for care and services as we age. The information from this and other studies is important to assure successful planning for our future care needs.

It was noted that elderly assisted living homes have seen the largest increase in costs over a 2 year period. The average daily cost of living in an elderly assisted living facility increased to almost $39,000 per year. This is an average rate of just over $100 per day.

There was an astonishing average increase of a 15% in rates for the elderly assisted living facilities that provide care for dementia and Alzheimer's patients.

Elderly home health care has had the smallest rate increase of all the providers. The rate of elderly home health care has had a 5% increase over the past two years and a 17% increase over the last 7 years.

The costs to have a certified nursing assistant provide elder home care averages $21 per hour. A certified nursing assistant provides services such as: bathing and dressing. The services of elder home care are ordered by a physician and usually paid for by insurance. These services provided by elderly home health care are intermittent and are offered for a short period of time.

Another study, also done in 2008 was preformed by the Genworth Financial Group. This study explored the cost of care that covers the non skilled side of elder home care. This is the largest growing portion of the elder home health care services. This growth, is due in part to many aging seniors desire to remain in their homes as long as possible.

The average cost for homemaker services in the elder home care sector is $18 an hour. There has been a rate increase of 4% over the past year. A homemaker provides some housekeeping duties, companionship, and assistance with cooking, if needed. They may also run short errands when required.

Elderly home care also provides home health aides. They provide basic assistance with bathing and dressing. A home health aide averages a rate $19 an hour. This shows an increase of 3% in just one year.

Met Life Market surveyed adult day services in 2008. The results from this survey show the average daily cost for adult day care services is $64. This shows an increase of 5% in the past year.

Adult day care services are a growing trend in the aging health care market. Adult day care is a cost effective way keep an aging senior at home

For caregivers, utilizing adult day care services permits them to continue to work. Many caregivers take time to do things to they need to take care of and get a break from their care giving duties.

The costs of elder home care services will continue to rise. Surveys show that the trends will continue. The largest increases will be in the assisted living and nursing home areas of elderly home health care services.

The past five years has seen an increase in elderly assisted living rates jump by 41%. Over the past five years, there has been an increase in nursing homes rates of over 30%. Over half the surveyed facilities expect to increase their rates, again, over the next year. The good news is that one in four elder home care providers plan to increase their rates in the next year.

Being aware of the cost of elderly home care and elderly assisted living can assist you in planning for your future needs. Educate yourself on the various options available and how you can utilize those services for future needs. It is important to be proactive and investigate avenues to pay for your future health care needs.

Diane Carbo Registered Nurse has more than thirty five years in the nursing field. Her experience as a geriatric care manager, makes her uniquely qualified to help those who want to live out their lives in their own homes. That decision may be made when you are 20, 30, 40 or in fact at any age, with sooner rather than later being ideal. Diane has developed a web site to make people aware of issues and options. You will find extensive helpful information that will be continually updated. Please visit Diane's web site and learn more about home health care Sign up for "The Caring Advocate" her free newlsetter and receive a complimentary copy of the Home Health Care Planning Guide.

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

Protecting Your Loved Ones With Medical Alarms

Protecting Your Loved Ones With Medical Alarms By Garry L. Neale Garry L. Neale Level: Platinum Garry is the editor of the Free Consumer Review web site that is dedicated to providing consumer useful articles and reviews pertaining to online consumer ... ...

Medical alarms, sometimes referred to as medical alert systems, are essentially tiny personal emergency medical devices that are monitored 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The purpose of these miracle devices is to provide protection for seniors and those in ill health or a weakened state. If your loved one experiences a medical emergency, the monitoring system provided by medical alarms makes it possible to reach help immediately and easily.

A medical alert device is usually wireless and small - a modern-age medical alarm is small enough to be worn as a necklace, pendant, watch, on a key chain, or as a medical alert bracelet. Most of these devices, such as a medical alert necklace, are waterproof as well, ensuring the person wearing it won't unintentionally cause damage.

Seniors enjoy a wide breadth of benefits from wearing a medical alarm. For one, medical alert devices allow seniors to live a fully independent life without sacrificing a sense of safety. Providing security and instant access to emergency services, a medical alarm can do wonders in improving the life of your aging loved ones.

These systems are easy to set up and use - all you need is a reliable phone line in the residence so that the alarm can contact the appropriate services if and when they are required. Seniors usually wear the device to ensure they have access to help at all times. Working through a wireless connection to the telephone line and emergency console, a medical alarm allows for the ultimate in flexibility, as the console can be installed anywhere within the home.

How does the system work? Simply put, a medical alarm system dives into action when the person wearing the device presses the emergency button in the event of a problem. This activates the medical alert system wirelessly and sends information to the console. At this point the system is instructed to either contact the company's 24 hour response center, or it will automatically dial the list of emergency contacts you have stored on the alarm system. If no answer is received on the other end, system will continue to dial the emergency numbers, and resort to contacting 911 if necessary.

Most alert systems include certain basic features, including two-way communication between you and the emergency response center. Most medical alarm systems operate with the use of wireless technology so that communication can be established as quickly as possible.

Emergency auto dialers are another feature to seek out when shopping for medical alarm systems. Systems with this option allow you to program numbers into the alert system, including those of family, friends, doctors, neighbors, and anyone else you need.

A bio-monitoring alarm system is another excellent feature to consider. When a system has this feature, the device monitors heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, and other bodily functions.

Medical pagers built into a systems are an added feature for day-to-day living that reminds seniors when to take their medication. When medical alarm systems are equipped with an extra feature such as this, you can rest assured knowing your loved one is truly protected. Systems installed with MedicAlert add even more protection, as a system with this feature can identify a patient and their known health problems. Medical alarm systems have come a long way over the years. And with medical alert devices making strides each year, you can be sure the devices of the future will be even more advanced.

A senior medical alarm is about more than just convenience - it is about freedom, independence, and peace of mind. These devices make it easier for your loved ones and yourself to feel secure. A medical alert device acts as a lifeline that could save someone you love in an emergency situation.

Ensure Plus Complete Balanced Nutrition Drink

Ensure Plus Complete Balanced Nutrition Drink, Creamy Milk Chocalate Shake, Six Bottles-each 8 Fluid Ounces From Ensure Price: $13.19 Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Ships from and sold by OzBo Average customer review:

Product Description

350 Calories. Lactose free. Complete, balanced nutrition. Concentrated calories to help gain or maintain healthy weight. Made with real cocoa. Better tasting chocolate! No. 1 doctor recommended (among high-calorie nutritional supplements). Natural and artificial flavor. Easy-open and reclosable. For over 25 years, Ensure has been helping people bridge the gap between what they do eat and what they should eat. Ensure Plus is a source of concentrated calories to help you gain or maintain healthy weight. Use it as a delicious meal supplement, occasional meal replacement or a convenient between-meal snack. An excellent source of 24 essential vitamins and minerals; Zinc, Vitamin C and Vitamin E to help maintain the immune system; Protein to help build muscle tissue; Carbohydrate to provide energy; Folic Acid to help promote growth and development of red blood cells; Antioxidants to help protect cells from damage; Low in cholesterol.

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Product Details

• Brand: Ensure
• Released on: 1999-01-01
• Number of items: 1

Features

• Doctor-recommended drink for low cholesterol diets
• Lactose free, easily digested
• Complete, balanced nutrition, excellent source of 24 essential vitamins and minerals.
• Rich and creamy, good taste, ready to drink.
• Please read all label information on delivery

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Customer Reviews

Great Nutrition and Great Taste! Be Healthy!
Hands down, Ensure drink products are some of the best on the market.

What's not to like? Great taste, high vitamin content, lactose free!

For those who need to gain weight, this product is ideal. I myself am not a fan of high-density caloric drinks for the general population. If you are in good health and just want a great dietary suppliment, get regular Ensure instead.

This product is great for people with diabetes, heart problems, and many other maladies because it helps you improve your dietary health first.

I must also say, the taste is surprisingly good as well. I find these drinks far superior to Slim-Fast lactose free, as they are lighter and easier on the stomach than Slim-Fast.

While I prefer the bottles to the cans (they are more recycling friendly after all) this is a great product that is worth a try.

For those who don't need to gain weight, try regular Ensure instead.

Enjoy! :-D

Excellent for Cancer patients!
My dad was diagnosed with cancer and lost 10 lbs just in the first 2 weeks of radiation therapy and we knew we had to do something. We chose Ensure Plus instead of Ensure for its higher calorie and protein content. Ensure Plus has various flavors to choose from which is a bonus.

A Real Lifesaver

Having Crohn's Disease, Ensure has been a part of my life for a very long time. Ensure Plus is a real pleasure for those of us suffering with any type of chronic wasting disease.

It's smooth, creamy and has very little aftertaste. Packed with essential fats and vitamins, it packs a powerful nutritional punch, in a small container. I've used Ensure Plus for my underweight pre-teen, adding ice cream, and flavorings to it, and whirring it in the blender.

I highly recommend this product for anyone who is experiencing prolonged illness or even severe stomach viruses. It can help sustain your body's balance during times when you are very ill. All the flavors are great, especially served well chilled.

Teeter Hang Ups EP-550 Inversion Therapy Table From Teeter Hang Ups

Teeter Hang Ups EP-550 Inversion Therapy Table From Teeter Hang Ups List Price: $359.95 Price: $299.00 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. Details Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Ships from and sold by Amazon.com 23 new or used available from $280.00 Average customer review:

Mucinex-Extended Release Bi-Layer Guaifenesin 600mg, 100 Tablets

Mucinex-Extended Release Bi-Layer Guaifenesin 600mg, 100 Tablets(Bonus Size) From Mucinex List Price: $69.95 Price: $31.95 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. Details Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Ships from and sold by DAB Nutrition 8 new or used available from $31.95 Average customer review:

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Product Description

Mucinex Expectorant, 600 mg Guaifenesin Extended-Release Tablets helps loosen phlegm (mucus) and thin bronchial secretions to rid the bronchial passageways of bothersome mucus and make coughs more productive. Whenever you are congested, Mucinex can help y

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #241 in Health and Beauty
• Brand: Mucinex
• Ingredients: (In each Extended-Release Tablet): Guaifenesin (600 mg). Inactive Ingredients: Carbomer 934P NF, FD&C Blue No. 1 Aluminum Lake, Hypromellose USP, Magnesium Stearate NF, Microcrystalline Cellulose NF, Sodium Starch Glycolate NF.
• Dimensions: 1.00" h x 1.00" w x 1.00" l, .31 pounds

Features

• 600 mg Guaifenesin Extended-Release Tablets.

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Customer Reviews

Mucinex Is a Must for Sinus Sufferers!
Being a long-time sinus sufferer, I found the benefits of guiafenesin years before it became "MUCINEX". Without it, my sinuses get plugged and irritated within a few days, setting me up for recurrent infections. It works as an "expectorant" which means it helps keep the mucus thinned so your sinuses can clear more easily and don't become a breeding ground for bacteria and /or viruses.
As a clinic-based, practicing RN, I know that Mucinex / guiafenesin is often recommended by physicians, and is a safe product with very few side effects or drug interactions. (NO, I'm not getting paid by anyone to say any of this!)
Mucinex in this Extended Release formula minimizes the number of daily doses down to once or twice daily depending on your personal needs. This 100 tablet bottle is definitely the cheapest way to purchase - I had been getting it at WalMart for the past few years (until my smart sister told me to check for it on Amazon :-) in the 40 tablet bottles for almost $20 per bottle!
If you have sinus problems, especially chronic ones, or are prone to recurring infections, Mucinex is certainly worth a try.

Keeps the crap out!
I use this everyday, all year long. I have lung problems due to an illness that I inherited, and this really helps. It was recommended by an ear, nose, and throat doctor along the time it came out. The last place I ordered it from was a seller through Amazon, DAB Nutrition; the price could not be beat.

If you have any kind of lung or breathing problem(s), give this a try; it does what it says, is easy to swallow(and I have problems swallowing pills), and does not interfere with any of my many medications. You WILL notice a difference.

Wonderful value
Have been using Mucinex when it was still a prescription med. The price I paid for this bottle of 100 tablets (approximately $25) is by far the best price I have ever found. I also believe it to be superior to the generics I have also used. If Amazon continues the good price, I will continue to purchase here.

Biofreeze 3 oz Roll on From Performance Health

Biofreeze 3 oz Roll on From Performance Health Price: $9.79 Availability: Usually ships in 2-3 business days Ships from and sold by Medical Department Stores 24 new or used available from $6.00 Average customer review:

Product Description

Product Features BioFreeze 3 oz. Roll-on is beneficial for acute pain; the spray is particularly beneficial for acute conditions involving severe muscle spasms of the lower back or acute spasms of the upper back or neck BioFreeze 3 oz. Roll-on is a unique, effective analgesic formulated to provide a variety of benefits for therapy, pain relief, exercise/training and overall comfort. It effectively helps relieve pain from Sore Muscles & Muscle Sprains, Back, Shoulder,Neck Pain, Arthritis, Painful Ankle, Knee, Hip & Elbow Joints, Muscular Strains. The result is a fast acting, deep penetrating, and long lasting pain reliever. BIOFREEZE products contain ILEX, an herbal extract from a South American holly shrub. ILEX is used around the world in various health & wellness formulations. BIOFREEZE topical analgesic does not use waxes, oils, aloe or petroleum. The result is a fast-acting, penetrating, long lasting pain reliever

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #465 in Health and Beauty
• Brand: Biofreeze
• Model: 2
• Ingredients: Active Ingredients: MENTHOL 3.5%,CAMPHOR 0.2%. Inactive Ingredients: WATER,ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL,HERBAL EXTRACT,(ILEX PARAGUARIENSIS_, CARBOMER, TRIETHOLAMINE, SILICONDIOXIDE, METHLPARABEN,FD&C YELLOW # 5 , FD&C BLUE #1.
• Dimensions: 2.00" h x 2.00" w x 4.00" l, .25 pounds

Features

• BIOFREEZE PAIN RELIEVING ROLL-ON WITH ILEX

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Customer Reviews

Great multi-purpose pain reliever!
My husband and I are both long distance runners and are in our 50s. We use Biofreeze with Ilex for mild and more serious pains and strains. I also use the roll-on version on the back of my neck and temple when I get migraines; the cooling helps tremendously. My mother uses it for severe arthritis in her hands, and my father uses it for back pain. I recently ordered some for my mother-in-law for hip pain. She called raving about how much it helped her and my father-in-law. Its a fabulous product that I recommend for many purposes.

Best I've found!
I have been using Biofreeze for 7 years following an auto accident which left me with a disk bulge and nerve damage in my neck. I have tried other topical pain relievers, but keep coming back to Biofreeze because it works quickly and lasts for hours. Tip: Make sure to wash your hands quickly after applying or they will also feel the effects of Biofreeze (unless you are using it for your hands). I highly recommend Biofreeze for little and big aches and pains.

Biofreeze with ILEX - Roll on
I didn't know this product came in a roll on until I saw it on your site.
I LOVE the roll on. I don't get my hands all messed up and it goes on exactly where I want it, smoothly and in the right amount.

Heart Attack - How Aspirin Helps

Heart Attack - How Aspirin Helps By Anna Hart

If you or a loved one has heart disease, heart attack prevention and treatment are very important subjects. Your physician may have recommended taking a low dose aspirin each day to avoid heart attack. You may have heard that you can increase your chances of survival during a heart attack by taking aspirin. But how?

How Can Aspirin Help in Heart Attack?

Imagine that you are sitting watching TV with your spouse. You begin to sense that your chest is heavy. It feels as though someone is tightening wide steel bands around you. You shift positions, but the feeling remains. You take a few deep breaths and try to relax, thinking it is stress. The pain begins to spread to your jaw and shoulder. You mention it to your spouse, who turns to look at you, dashes to the phone to call for an ambulance, and returns with an aspirin. "For your heart attack," says your spouse. Why?

How can aspirin help in heart attack?

Heart Attack Scenario

A heart attack is an active, ongoing event. It is not something that begins and ends in five minutes. You can limit the damage done to your heart and body during this ongoing event by taking action immediately after the heart attack begins. Calling emergency services is one action step. Taking aspirin is a second action step.

Paramedics will arrive quickly when you call 911. They will give you oxygen and medication for your heart attack. They will monitor your blood pressure and heart rhythm to try to prevent heart attack complications. They will rush you to the emergency room of the nearest hospital.

Once you reach the Emergency Room, doctors and nurses will hurry to perform an EKG and blood tests to confirm or refute a heart attack diagnosis. If you are having a heart attack, doctors will usually try to open the blocked artery with angioplasty, a stent, or a drug.

But why take aspirin? If they are going to use all of these modern "miracle-workers" on you, how can aspirin help in heart attack?

Aspirin's Role

Aspirin has been found to slow down platelets. Platelets are microscopic blood cells your body uses to trigger blood clotting. If you cut your finger, blood begins to flow from the cut. Immediately, platelets move to the cut finger and cause the blood to clot. If you were to take aspirin the moment you cut your finger, you would slow down the movement of platelets. The blood would continue to flow freely for a longer time.
You would need only a tiny amount of aspirin to slow down every tiny platelet in your bloodstream. You would have to take it quickly, though. The clotting of blood would increase minute by minute, so the sooner you took the aspirin, the better your chances of keeping the finger bleeding.

Of course, this would be foolish action in the case of a cut finger. You want the finger to stop bleeding. You want the blood to clot.

In heart attack, however, you do not want the blood to clot. The reason for most heart attacks is the rupture of plaque in a coronary artery. When the rupture occurs, the body senses injury and calls for platelets. The platelets hurry to trigger a blood clot, just as they will in a cut finger. As minutes pass, the clot grows larger and larger. It grows until it completely blocks the artery. Blood can no longer flow to the part of the heart served by that artery. Blood can no longer carry oxygen to the heart. Without oxygen, that part of the heart begins to die. The heart attack runs its course.

If aspirin is taken in the first few minutes of an attack, you slow down the rush of platelets, just as in our example of the cut finger. You make it more difficult for the blood to clot. You keep the blood flowing, carrying vital oxygen to the heart. You limit the risk of heart attack damage.

How to Take Aspirin for Heart Attack

1. QUICKLY: The most important thing is to take aspirin immediately if you sense you may be having a heart attack. Aspirin needs nearly 15 minutes to fully slow platelets. Get it into your blood stream quickly.

2. AMOUNT: Take one 325 mg. of aspirin for heart attack. Do not take two or three in hopes of getting better results. A smaller dose is actually more helpful than a larger dose.

3. TYPE: The aspirin must not be enteric-coated. The coating is added to keep aspirin from dissolving too quickly in your stomach. For heart attack, you want it to dissolve as quickly as possible. Even when chewed, enteric-coated aspirin have been found to dissolve too slowly. So be sure you always have at hand non-coated 325 mg. aspirin tablets.

4. CHEW: It is very important that you CHEW the aspirin. Do not swallow it whole. CHEW the aspirin at least 30 seconds before swallowing it. Chewing will reduce the tablet to small particles, ready for digestion. It will also stimulate saliva, which will start the digestion. CHEW.

In the October 1997 issue of "Circulation," the American Heart Association (AHA) journal, it was reported that up to 10,000 more people annually could survive heart attack simply by chewing one 325 milligram aspirin tablet at the first chest pain or other heart attack symptom. Be prepared.

© 2007, Anna Hart. Anna is married to a man who suffers from heart disease, and brings to her writing years of experience and research. She invites you to read more of her articles about heart attacks at http://www.your-heart-disease-blog.com. You won’t want to miss Anna’s insights and perspectives on what to expect after a heart attack. Visit Anna now.

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

heart attack signs

Heart Attack Signs By Sven Ullmann Sven Ullmann Level: Platinum Sven started to work from home in 2001 with affiliate marketing. Almost everything that is needed to be successful in this business is self-educated....

Today, people mistake heart attack for cardiac arrest. The difference between the two is actually very distinct. Cardiac arrest is the medical situation when your heart stopped beating. It does not necessarily mean there is something wrong with your heart. It could be a result of a complication. On the other hand, a heart attack is actually a disorder. Also called acute myocardial infarction, a heart attack is characterized by an interruption of the blood supply to a particular part of the heart resulting to oxygen shortage. The area not receiving sufficient oxygen suffers from tissue damage that could lead to tissue death. This is when a person would be experiencing a heart attack.

Since heart attacks are the leading causes of death worldwide, knowing the signs could mean the difference between life and death. Contrary to some belief, heart attacks do not always have to be a "chest-grabbing" incident. Many people experiencing a heart attack actually thought it was just heart burn or chest muscle pains. And it doesn't even have to be a one-time discomfort. You can experience recurring symptoms, which may feel mild one day and the next day severe, before an actual heart attack happens. So before you put yourself or your loved ones in serious dangers, here are some heart attack signs to look for.

The most classic heart attack sign is a feeling of discomfort in the middle of the chest. It could be a sudden dull pain that could subside after a few minutes. But remember that this kind of chest discomfort always come back. You may also feel an uncomfortable squeezing, pressure of even fullness aside from the mild to severe pain. This chest discomfort is actually because of the oxygen shortage in the heart muscle. Some pain actually spread to the left arm, lower jaw, back and stomach region.

Another heart attack sign is the sudden shortness of breath. This is because the left part of the heart has limited output, eventually damaging the heart. You will also exhibit other heart attack signs such as sweating, nausea, weakness, vomiting, light headedness and palpitations. Some persons lose consciousness when having a heart attack while others die suddenly.

In females, heart attack signs vary a little. The most common signs include weakness, dyspnea and fatigue. Sleep disturbances are also reported for a period as long as a month before an actual heart attack occurs. Not all persons with heart tissue damage will experience pain or discomfort. In fact, almost 30% of heart attack cases did not exhibit classic chest pain or other heart attack signs. It will only be confirmed after a medical investigation is done,

Individuals at risk of a heart attack are those who have a genetic disposition to it (family history), diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, high LDL levels and low HDL levels. People, who smoke, drink excessively, eat fatty foods, do not exercise and stressed, are also at risk of having a heart attack. These kinds of habits can be severely damaging to your body, and can ultimately prove to be fatal.

what are the benefits of fish oil

What Are the Benefits of Fish Oil? By Freddie Logan

There are many benefits of fish oil, because of the omega3 fatty acids that it provides. Omega3s are essential to the human diet, yet most of our food stuff does not contain them. Fish is the best source.

Plant foods provide a kind of omega 3, but not the type that is found in the brain and the back of the eye. Docosahexaenoic acid of DHA is the most abundant fatty acid in the brain and the retina of the eye.

Plant foods and oils contain ALA. The body will convert ALA to DHA if it is forced to. But, studies have shown that ALA supplements do not increase blood levels of DHA, which basically means that DHA, itself, must be in the diet.

The benefits of fish oil supplements will only be realized if there is a high DHA content. Other omega3s that are found in these supplements include EPA and DPA. There is also an "X-factor", which has yet to be identified. This "X-factor" is the reason that some oils have more anti-inflammatory activity than others.

Research indicates that the greatest benefit is seen when all of the oil is in its most natural form, because of all of the different factors present in it. But, purity must be verified by laboratory analysis. The oils from some fish are contaminated with mercury and cancer-causing PCB. Molecular distillation is required to remove them, which removes the x-factor and diminishes the omega3 content.

The benefits of fish oil are numerous. They include a reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, type II diabetes and cancer. They are beneficial for skin, joint and eye health, as well as the brain.

Beware though, you must shop with care, because the industry is not well regulated. The good news though is you can find a high quality supplement with a little research.

Get your Free 19 Page Guide and discover what we consider the Best Fish Oil Supplement. Freddie Logan is a health enthusiast and has a passion for natural ways to improve your health. Please visit his site today and start your journey to better wellness and health. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Freddie_Logan