How to prevent infections in dental surgery

Virus, bacteria, spores. These are the three main vehicles of infection in dental surgeries. The aerosol produced in the surgery, transporting pathogens and organic residue, increases by up to 3,000% the concentration of micro-organisms in the air, making the operator’s hands and the operating field areas at high exposure, with the consequent risk of infection for both the patient and the surgery operatives. The aerosol favors the re-circulation of these micro-organisms and, consequently, the environment may remain contaminated for a long time.

photo from pixabay.com

Bouts of cough, sneezing and special therapy contribute to releasing particles of various diameters into the air. From those with a diameter of between 10 and 50 micron, which stop in the nose and upper airway, to the smaller ones, with diameter of between 0.5 and 5 micron in diameter, which can reach the bronchioles and pulmonary alveoli, via the ones measuring 5-10 micron in diameter, which reach the pharynx and trachea.

The anti-infection best practices in the dental surgery

It is therefore quite easy to understand how, in order to guarantee superior hygiene standards within a dental surgery facility, the use of effective prevention methods and instruments is just as important as the surgery operatives’ training.

There are a few best practices for proper prevention:

1)    treating each patient like a potential source of infection, thereby using all the precautions and protection systems available
2)    respect precise protocols for the disinfection and sterilization of the surgery and of the instruments used, using dedicated denture disinfection products and repeatable and standardized procedures.

The choice of products to use for the surgery and instruments is a delicate and important task. Obviously, it depends on the activity the product is to be used for. Indeed, a distinction must be made between cleaning, decontamination and sterilization.

Cleaning, decontamination and sterilization in the dental surgery

Cleaning is the mechanical removal of organic material from the surface of instruments and equipment. Decontamination is used to mean the elimination of all micro-organisms with the exception of spores, for which sterilization is necessary, a procedure that eliminates all micro-organisms, no exception.

Each one of these three activities requires specific protocols and products. Products for disinfection absolve cleaning and decontamination tasks, while an autoclave is required for sterilization.

This is a guest blog entry.

Here Are Top 5 Simple Ways to Prevent the Occurrence of Yeast Infection Problem

Yeast infection affects more people than one could imagine. It’s harmful as it causes itching and swelling, which is quite uncomfortable and irritating. It occurs on the skin, mouth, and bloodstream. Candida albicans is the common cause of this menace. Are you scared of contracting this illness?

Below are simple ways to prevent you from getting a yeast infection

•    Use birth control that does not have estrogen

You need to be conscious of your partner's form of birth control. Excess estrogen in the body can result in the production of more yeast. With that in mind, it’s crucial to minimize the risk of candida Albicans growing exponentially into an irritating infection.

Both partners need to visit an OBGYN before choosing one birth control. You will go through tests that will identify the uniqueness of one's body.

•    Wear cotton underwear

You should never take chances when choosing the right innerwear. You need to keep your sensitive areas as dry as possible. It should be free from moisture and warmth. It’s because yeast infections thrive well in a humid surrounding.

To avoid such a predicament, always stick to undergarments made using natural fabrics such as silk or cotton.

When it comes to babies, their diapers should be changed often. Did you know that soiled as well as wet diapers lead to diaper rash which causes skin irritation? It can lead to a yeast infection.

•    Avoid scented soaps and hygiene products

You need to know that artificial bathing soaps have an acidic chemical scent that isn't good for your body. These scents tend to irritate sensitive skins. At times they tend to increase possibilities of having a yeast infection.

Say no to scented bubble baths, or fruity body wash or colored toilet paper. You need to keep it simple when taking care of your hygiene lest you attract entirely preventable infections.

•    Consider natural remedies 

At times after following all the preventable procedures, it’s quite inevitable to contract a yeast infection. The first form of treatment that you ought to try is natural yeast infection treatment. Try home remedies such as garlic, tea tree oil, boric acid, or natural yogurt. These methods tend to kill fungi that cause infections. These remedies work wonders for the body.

If you’re wearing dentures, especially if you have diabetes, you must be careful not to get thrush. Clean them often to avoid infections.

•     Sleep more 

The human immune system plays a significant role in the fighting of infection, including yeast infection. Lack of a good night rest makes the body ineffective when it comes to functioning correctly. Sleep helps the body to maintain acidity levels on the down-low. It lowers the rate of yeast growth, thus preventing infections. To stay healthy, ensure you get maximum sleep.

The human body is quite magnificent. You'd be surprised at how much people put their body in harm's way. Some ignore simple steps such as eating healthy, sleeping more, and wearing the right undergarments. To avoid discomfort while urinating due to a yeast infection, always take precautions. However, if symptoms persist, don't die alone. You need to contact a specialized gynecologist and get the right yeast infection treatment.

This is a guest blog entry.

What is Addiction Treatment About?

Addiction treatment is typically a place where people struggling with substance use disorders can recover through getting help with medication and therapies which help to address behavior. They provide substance abuse treatment with a distinct program that involves the families of sufferers with personalized programs. Some facilities employ what is known as a dual-diagnosis approach. It's a combination of both substance abuse treatment with mental health care. The program is intended to be highly effective, since it draws on both disciplines, as the comprehensive programs are implemented in such a way that those choosing this establishment can wind up leading substance-free livelihoods after their treatment.

There is a North Carolina Addiction Treatment Center that runs a number of different programs, but one of them is structured as a day treatment. It runs on weekdays, where clients go through clinically structured schedules which help them create the building blocks of a better life. This is their partial-hospitalization program which also offers full clinical support five days each week. When people cease using alcohol and drugs, it’s important to change daily routines. Highly structured environments and surroundings are useful in helping clients move on with their lives without substances. Every client is taken through a number of evidence-based treatment methods, as they are guided by the establishment's therapists. The specific recovery angles and certain holistic options chosen get decided based on the particular needs of the individual.

Accountability and structure both offer the breathing room and safe space where someone can learn about recovery in general, as well as specific methods to employ to steer clear of addictive behaviors. It's also a time where they can make the transition from addiction to a clean, sober, and a hopefully happy life. The program often addresses issues relating to early withdrawal, support, stabilization, and structure. Specific activities might include things like creative art therapy and recovery yoga. Alongside extra case management that involves supportive friends and family, there are also process groups, training in life skills, and both dialectical and cognitive behavioral therapies.

An intensive outpatient option is also available to help individuals who want to transition back into a life of peace, productivity, health, and happiness. Participants of this program actively involve themselves in coming up with their very own recovery plan. Individuals are requested to analyze and then start using fresh recovery habits and behaviors so that they can meet the objectives and goals they set for themselves during their treatment. This program is one which emphasizes the development of new habits in order to sustain a long-running remission from substance abuse. Individuals in this program strive towards better mental health. They also have the opportunity to redefine their educational and professional ambitions.

Outpatient recovery management is another option that works well for some patients, which is useful for those that no longer need inpatient treatment or a more structured program or don't meet the requirements for inpatient recovery and would like professional guidance on sustaining a state of sobriety. If a participant wants to truly learn and absorb how they can prevent a relapse appropriately and effectively, it is necessary for them to understand the various stages involved. The outpatient recovery program option helps individuals learn how they can utilize relapse prevention techniques for a multitude of physical, mental, and emotional stressors.

Many Institute locations also offer day- or evening-specific programs for both family members and/or clients who want to learn more about the nature of addiction. Family members can learn what it's like for those suffering from substance abuse and how to support the ones they love.

The establishment also offers an alumni program. Many participants who have yet to become actual alumni find this comforting because they know there will still be support from the Institute after their Charlotte Addiction Treatment Program officially ends.

This is a guest blog entry.

Modafanil Review - Its Side Effects, Dosage, and Benefits

Modafinil is a medicine used in the treatment of extreme sleepiness caused by narcolepsy or other sleep disorders. It sells under the name Provigil, which is its brand name. Modafinil exists as a white to off-white, crystal-like powder, practically insoluble in water.

A Provigil tablet contains 100 mg or 200 mg of modafinil substance plus other inactive ingredients such as:

Croscarmellose sodium,
Stearate
Lactose monohydrate
Microcrystalline cellulose
Pregelatinized starch
Povidone

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved modafinil’s use as a treatment option narcolepsy in 1998. Later in 2003, the agency allowed its use towards treatments of shift work sleep disorders as well as obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea.

The theory behind the functioning of modafinil is that it promotes wakefulness by increasing levels of dopamine chemicals in the brain. When that happens therefore neuron-signal transmission gets interfered with. In this case, those signals to sleep does not reach the brain cells as required.

Benefits of Modafinil

When used correctly and for the prescribed purpose, Modafinil offers more health benefits relating to certain sleep disorders. Sleep is very crucial towards maintaining wellness of any human being.

However, in situations where sleep is in excess, medication action is highly relevant and necessary. Narcolepsy, as well as other sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea, may cause excessive sleep. This can keep you from performing at the workplace and it is unhealthy for any socio-economic development.

As approved by the FDA and other medical agencies and institutions, Modafinil helps treat conditions that cause excessive sleep. However, do not mistake it for an anti-sleep medication nor a drug to keep you active when tired. If you have no sleep disorder then do not use it to interfere with your usual sleep schedule.

For those who suffer narcolepsy or any of the sleeping disorders, this is a highly recommendable medication.

It cheers you up
It enhances your vigilance   
According to the University of Cambridge, Modafinil reduces impulse response and quick improper decision making
It eliminates sleepiness   
The medication improves your IQ, though for a short time

Dosage

Like most prescription drugs, taking modafinil will first require you to go through the medication guide issued to you by your doctor or pharmacist. Do this all the time, even when getting a refill, and also remember to ask any questions in case you do not understand some of the use instructions.

Modafinil’s dosage varies depending on one’s health condition as well as response to the treatment.

The regular administration procedure of this drug is by mouth with or without food – your doctors will let you know. For narcolepsy, you will have to take a daily dose as instructed by your doctor usually in the morning. Sometimes, it may be both in the morning and afternoon depending on your health condition as interpreted by your health care provider.

Those fighting obstructive sleep apnea should take this medication as prescribed alongside other treatments such as CPAP or a mouth device. Not unless your doctor instructs you otherwise should stop using these other treatments. If you are attending a work shift, be sure to take your medication one hour before; that way, it will be active by the reporting time.

Is Modafinil addictive?

An addictive drug tends to leave you with withdrawal symptoms once you suddenly stop using them. When you suddenly stop using Modafinil you are likely to experience symptoms such as, chills, sweating, confusion, nausea, shaking, and vomiting. They mostly occur if you have used the drug for far quite long. Usually, lowering your dosages is the safest withdrawal procedure for it.

For those who suffer substance use disorder, these symptoms could even be more severe. In this, we refer to those who use the drug alongside other substances such as alcohol. You should let your doctor know of any other substances you use – that would encourage proper dosing.

Side Effects of Modafinil

The utilization of Modafinil yields both short and long term effects. Some of these can either be severe or less depending on whether you are overdosing or not as well as the period of use.

Short-Term Side Effects

Typically, it will only take an hour before you begin experiencing the effects of this medication.  The most likely short term effects would include:

Headache
Nausea
Nervousness
Dizziness   
Difficulty acquiring sleep

 In infrequent occasions, worse symptoms may occur, and these may include;
Irregular breathing
Suicidal thoughts
Mood/ mental changes causing agitation
Increased heartbeats
Confusion
Depression
Hallucinations
Chest pains

Health specialist prescribes this medication having weighed the possible side effects against its benefits. Therefore, in most cases, few people experience any of these severe side effects. However, whenever you experience any of these, let your doctor know immediately.

Other rare cases include allergic reactions. These may include symptoms like fever, rash, itching/swelling of mostly the face, throat or tongue, severe dizziness, swollen lymph nodes, and trouble breathing. When they occur, quickly notify your doctor or pharmacist.

Long term effects

These side effects occur after a long period of use. The most typical one of them is addiction. You can acknowledge this when you suddenly stop using the medication – withdrawal symptoms will follow almost immediately. However, in rare cases patients suffer addiction from Modafinil.

Conclusion

Regardless of its substantial health benefits, Modafinil still is not a safe drug when you have to use it without a doctor’s prescription. For reasons of abuse, lots of states do not allow it as an over-the-counter types of drugs.

Modafinil comes with both long and short term effects, some of which could get severe. Thus, at any time you feel the need to take it to ensure you have a doctor’s prescription. Otherwise you may be putting your life into great danger. 

This is a guest blog entry.

5 Things You Need to Know Before You Visit an Urgent Care Facility

When you or someone you care about is sick, hurt or in need of medical attention, having to make a split-second decision about which medical facility is most appropriate isn’t the best course of action. But many people are caught off guard, especially when it comes to deciding whether to visit an urgent care facility or the nearest hospital emergency room.

According to Community Health 1st ER, an urgent care in Deer Park, TX, “The differences are often confusing, and many patients are not aware that there are differences at all. However, there are a few important differences to consider when choosing between hospital ERs and urgent care clinics near you.” Here are a few things you need to know about urgent care facilities before you visit one.

1. Most Centers are Walk-In

Because most urgent care centers do not take appointments and function as walk-in centers,  your wait time can vary from 20 minutes to much longer, depending on the number of people who are ahead of you. However, some clinics do allow appointments or online check-in. Online check-in lets you fill in certain paperwork and prepare your spot in line, which can reduce your wait time drastically. Just to be safe, call ahead and find out if the urgent care clinic you’re thinking about visiting has an online check in or make appointments.

2. What to Bring

Remember this isn’t your typical doctor’s office that has all of your or your child’s records. Make sure you bring your ID. You will need your insurance card and funding for your copay or payment. Also, make sure to bring the names and dosages of any medicines you take. A list of medical diagnoses and surgeries is important too. Your primary care doctor’s name and contact information are important to have as well. And finally, if you are bringing a child who is a minor, who is not your child, you’ll need a parental authorization form.

3. When to Go

Of course, you can go to an urgent care clinic any time it is open. However, there are going to be times that it is much busier than others. Weekends, holidays, evenings and any other times when doctors' offices are not open are times that urgent care clinics are busiest. If you need urgent care but can wait just a bit, you might see a health care provider faster by calling the center first and finding out the wait time and whether you can be put on a waiting list.

4. A Doctor May Not Treat You

It is important to know before you go to an urgent care center that you might not be treated by a doctor. Although most centers do have a staff physician, they also have physician’s assistants and nurse practitioners who see and treat patients for a variety of conditions. Regardless of whether you see a doctor, a physician's assistant or nurse practitioner, you will always be told to follow up with your primary care physician.

5. You Can Get Treated for Things You May Not Think You Can

Urgent care centers have the ability to deal with lacerations, sprains, dislocations, and fractures. Almost all centers have x-ray machines and can determine the severity of your injury. However, centers do vary in their ability to handle these type of injuries, so it is best to call ahead. Also, if you are suffering from constant severe pain of a large, open gash, the ER is the place for you.

Urgent care centers also offer drug and alcohol screening. Typically, they offer blood or urine screening, but some test hair as well. If you need a drug and alcohol screening for work or another reason, check to see which kind of screening is accepted. You will also have to check with the urgent care center for the turnaround time.

Urgent care clinics can also test you for sexually transmitted diseases with a turnaround time of one to two days. They can check for:

• HIV or AIDS
• Chlamydia
• Genital herpes (if you have symptoms)
• Gonorrhea
• Syphilis
• Hepatitis
• Human papillomavirus (HPV)

Regular testing for sexually transmitted diseases is part of a healthy lifestyle -- not just something done out of fear.

Also, urgent care clinics can perform regular physicals and routine health screenings. It can take weeks to get an appointment with your doctor for your yearly physical, but an urgent care clinic can do routine physicals, as well as sports physicals, gynecological exams and breast exams. It can also run lab work to check for anemia, cholesterol, diabetes, as well as confirm pregnancy.

If you are in an urgent care for your physical, you can also go ahead and check and see if your immunizations are up to date.

Is an Urgent Care Facility Right for You?

Now that you know more about what to expect from an urgent care center, you’ll be better prepared to decide in advance whether an urgent care facility is the right choice for you.

This is a guest blog entry.

Is the HPV vaccine safe?

The Human Papillomavirus also known as HPV is a common infection most people will come into contact with. This infection is commonly linked with different cancers in men and women as well as genital warts. People can carry the Human Papillomavirus without having any problems of their own but are still able to pass it onto someone else.

HPV is spread through sexual contact or coming into contact with other bodily fluids. Mothers who are infected with HPV can pass it onto their babies through the birth canal or from breastfeeding. HPV cannot be cured but it can be prevented with the Human Papillomavirus vaccine.

The HPV vaccine is more commonly known as Gardasil and Gardasil 9. It is recommended the vaccine is given between the ages of 15 and 26. These are the years most teenagers and young adults are at risk for contracting the Human Papillomavirus. Gardasil can be given 3 different times over the patient’s adolescent years.

The patient is given the first dose, then will receive the second dose 6 months later. The third and final dose is recommended for extra precaution but is not necessary. The difference between Gardasil and Gardasil 9 is the amount of HPV viruses it prevents.

The original Gardasil protects against four different HPV viruses. And like the name says Gardasil 9 protects against 9 different viruses.

Is the HPV vaccine safe? With anything sort of vaccine or medication there is potential for a reaction. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention put a lot of time, money and research behind these vaccines to make sure they are safe before being available to the general public. The HPV vaccine went through numerous clinical trials and studies to guarantee your safety.

And once a vaccine is released the CDC continues to watch these new vaccinations. The CDC has implemented three different systems that continuously monitors these vaccines. One is known as the Vaccine Adverse Reaction Reporting System. This allows doctors, patients and nurses to report adverse reactions in patients or themselves.

Another system used is the Vaccine Safety Datalink. This allows the CDC and different health care organizations to continue monitoring those who have received the vaccine.

And the final system is called the Clinical Immunization Safety Assessment project. The purpose of this system is to conduct trials and research on certain groups of people.

The Human Papillomavirus vaccination has been known to cause side effects. Some of the most common side effects associated with Gardasil include: irritation and redness at the point of injection, low grade fever, drowsiness, headache, minor muscle pain and nausea.

Sometimes the patient may feel dizzy up to 15 minutes after receiving the vaccination. It is important to have the patient remain sitting and laying down for a few minutes to prevent falling. In some rare instances an allergic reaction can occur.

Yes, the HPV vaccine is safe. The side effects associated with the HPV vaccine seem so minor in comparison to what the Human Papillomavirus can cause later in life.

There are risks associated with any sort of vaccine or medication. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has done an excellent job making sure this vaccine is safe for the general public.

It’s important before receiving any vaccine that people are always aware of the risk and benefits. This vaccine may not be recommended for certain people. But it is recommended for people with an autoimmune disease or disorder. Even though Gardasil is not a required vaccination it is definitely recommended for young adolescents.

This is a guest blog entry.

Tips for Reducing Your Medical School Debt

For the majority of medical students, and future ones, debt remains one of the primary concerns. More than two-thirds of medical students graduate carrying debt. College is expensive, and most students have to get a loan for medical school if they want to pursue their dreams.

At the same time, many are discouraged and frightened by all of these stats and figures. The average debt of graduating medical students is around $200k, and for many people, this is a challenge they don’t want to face.

Even though the costs are high, there are ways that students can organize themselves to make the whole thing as painless as possible.

Today, we are going to share some tips on how students can repay their loans, manage expenses, and cut down costs.

Find a loan forgiveness loan

There are non-profit options where students work like in the government, military, or other underserved areas to reduce their debt. In some institutions, students will have to work for a specified period for their debts to be paid off completely. On the other hand, some of them can help you lower your debt.

Here are some departments that offer loan forgiveness programs in the US:

• NSHC (National Service Health Corps)
• Department of Health and Human Services 
• NIH (National Institutes of Health) 
• Centers for Disease Control 
• Indian Health Service 
• US Public Health Service Commissioned Corps

Create a payment plan and stick to it

The data shows that the students who are always keeping track of their debt and asking questions are the ones who are most successful at getting rid of it. This makes sense because they are always thinking about ways to repay the debt and look for options that are available to them.

Those students who have no plan whatsoever and aren’t considering their options are the ones who struggle the most. What’s even worse is that these kinds of students often don’t start repaying their loans after they graduate.

In these situations, the debt gets increased even further, which makes paying it off even more difficult.

Talk to your advisors and financial counselors to learn what your options are. Whenever you can, try and repay the debt and always keep that in mind. When you establish a plan, don’t make up any excuses and try to execute it.

Reducing upfront costs

There are ways to cut down upfront costs when applying for a medical college. It’s generally a good idea to go through the Medical School Admission Requirements where you have guides, how applying for fewer schools works, and targeting applications.

When students get their first admission, they have the option of ruling out all other schools, and this reduces application expenses, interview expenses, and travel costs. All of these costs might seem small, but when they stack up, they can make a big difference.

Get private refinancing

Private refinancing is a new option that fresh doctors can now utilize. When doctors are on residency, they can get private refinancing to pay off their debt each month.

There are a lot of different options because these programs are private, and it’s important to talk to different institutions to learn about their terms and get quotes.

For example, some programs aren’t available to interns, while others are. This is probably the best option if you want to pay off the debt aggressively. However, to get refinancing, you will have to find a good income job and have a good credit score.

Still, it’s a good deal because you will save thousands on the interest that could potentially pile over your debt.

Make a balance

When in med school, you can’t expect to live like royalty. Be smart about managing your finances and try to cut down costs wherever you can. Your life as a medical student is reserved for studying and developing yourself as a person.

This means being responsible and taking care of all the financial needs you might have.

At the same time, if you want to go out with your partner from time to time or visit your family, you shouldn’t feel bad because of it. It’s all about creating a balance while being modest.

For more information about medical tuition, please visit https://www.sjsm.org/. Additionally, before you apply for a school, consider some colleges that are cheaper but aren’t so popular. This doesn’t mean you won’t get a good education.

This is a guest blog entry.