HIRSUTISM

(Constitutional or male pattern hirsutism)

Hirsutism is the medical term for excessive hair, or hairness, particularly in women.
When a women grows hair on her face, trunk, and limbs that is similar to a man's, the condition is called male-pattern HIRSUTISM .
Humans appear to be fairly hairless, but in reality we have as many hair follicles as apes (monkeys). However most human follicles produce vellus hair, which is colorless and fine. Some vellus hair, though, is converted into the coarser, more visible terminal hair during puberty, when testosterone stimulates its growth.
Males produce more testosterone than females, thus men normally have more visible facial and body hair.
Excessive hair growth doesn't always signal a medical problem. it may be seen instead as constitutional hirsutism, or hair growth that is normal for person's age or racial and ethnic heritage.
Women of Mediterranean and near Eastern ancestry, for example, have more visible hair than their North European counterparts. Caucasians have more hair than Africans; and both Asians and Native Americans have less than other peoples.
Following menopause, women normally grow more facial hair, but the sudden development of male-pattern hirsutism in a younger women often indicates an imbalance of sex hormones, especially if there are other signs of virilization, such as a deepening of the voice and increased muscle growth.
Porphyria, a genetic disease marked by extreme sun sensitivity, can cause hirsutism, as can tumors of the ovaries or adrenal glands. If a cause cannot be identified the condition is called idiopathic hirsutism.

In both sexes, hirsutism may develop from certain medications; these include prednisone and other corticosteroids; phenytoin, an anti convulsant medication; and minoxidil, an anti hypertensive (used for high blood pressure) agent.

Medical Treatment:
When constitutional hirsutism is the problem, no medical treatment is required. Treatment of male pattern hirsutism depends upon the underlying cause. if there is excessive production of testosterone, spironolactone (Aldolactone) may be prescribed to block it.
Surgery may be necessary if a hormone producing tumor is present. When surgery is not possible, it may be destroyed by radiation therapy.

ALTERNATE THERAPIES
Electrolysis:
                 This is the only permanent method of hair removal. it is a time-consuming procedure that requires a skilled operator, known as the electrologist. Each hair is removed by the insertion of a fine probe into the hair follicle. An electrical current of low voltage passes through the probe and destroys the hair root.

Nutrition Therapy:
                               If obesity is contributing to a hormone imbalance that is causing excessive hair growth, a qualified nutritionist can devise a long term weight loss program.

Self Treatment:
There are numerous ways to remove unwanted hair temporarily or to make it less noticeable.

Bleaching:
                 This makes hair less visible . use a commercial product or make your own.
Method:

• One ounce of 6% hydrogen peroxide
• 10% of house hold Ammonia
• Enough baking soda to make a paste

Before using the mixture, do a small patch test on the inside of your wrist.

Depilatories:
These chemicals dissolve hair into a gelatinous mass that can be removed with a washcloth. Do a patch test and follow instructions carefully.

 Plucking:
This is a quick way to remove small amounts of body hair temporarily. Use care, however, as plucking can injure follicles and trigger infections, especially on the face.

Shaving:
This is the quickest way and most widely used method for removing hair from the underarms and legs. Although men regularly shave their faces, women hesitate to do so, as they mistakenly think that shaving will stimulate the growth of their hair. It only appears to, because all of the shaved hair grows back at the same time.

Waxing:
Warm melted wax is applied to the skin, allowed to cool, and then peeled off, taking with it any embedded hairs. Wax treatments are available in salons and there are also wax products for home use.

Other Causes Of Hairiness:
Thyroid disease, ovarian cysts, and pituitary tumors are among the endocrine disorders that can cause excessive hairiness.

Heat Rash (Miliaria; prickly heat)

Heat rash or prickly heat consists of clusters of tiny blisters filled with perspiration. It forms when pores become blocked and prevent the sweat glands from releasing perspiration, or when heat and humidity exceed the ability of the sweet glands to cool the body. The rash itches but doesn't become inflamed. It usually develops in the armpits and groin, and sometimes also on the chest, waist and back.

Babies are especially vulnerable because their ability to sweat is not fully developed, and because they often wear or lie on water proof materials, which intensify the effects of heat.
A similar rash, caused by sensitivity to ultraviolet light, may accompany prickly heat or occur independently. Referred to as a polymorphic light eruption, it produces itchy red spots within 24 to 48 hours of exposure to the sun. The rash appears mostly on the body, rarely on the face. Although children sometimes develop the rash, it is more common in young adults.

Medical Treatment:
A doctor may advise applying an over-the-counter cortisone lotion or cream 2-3 times daily. He may prescribe anti-histamines for severe itching or an anti-fungal medication containing cortisone, such as clotrimazole and betamethasone dipropionate (Lotrisone), if a secondary fungal infection has developed. A severe polymorphic light rash may require treatment with an oral steroid drug, such as prednisone.

Alternative Therapies:
Remedies that alleviate itching and cool the skin usually work well.

Herbal Medicines:
Herbalists often recommend adding thyme tea to bath water. Thyme contains thymol, an antiseptic substance that eases itching. 

Hydrotherapy:
Soaking in a cool bath is a soothing remedy. Don't apply soap to the rash. Instead, add 1 cup of oatmeal (Jo ka aata), cup of baking soda, 2 cups of apple cider vinegar, or 2 cups of laundry starch to the bath water. (A word of caution: Bathe a baby only in plain water). Soaking in a whirlpool bath of cool water is also helpful. alternatively, take one or two cool showers a day.
After bathing, gently pat the skin dry rather than rubbing it, then dust the affected areas lightly with cornstarch or baby powder. Don't apply moisturizing creams and lotions or use bath oil.
These products may further clog pores.

Self Treatment:
You can usually prevent heat rash by staying out of the sun and heat as much as possible, using air conditioning whenever available, and wearing light weight, loose-fitting, cotton garments. If a rash does develop, calamine lotion may ease the itching. Don't scratch.
Expose the effected areas to the air when you can. Avoid strenuous exercise or any activity that causing sweating.
When a baby has heat rash, change dipers as soon as they are wet; then pat the skin dry and apply a dusting of cornstarch. Avoid laying an infant on a plastic-covered mattress or pad; instead, use a cotton sheet or towel.

Fears & Phobias

Fear is a strong emotional response to danger, real or imagined. A phobia, Greek word, is a persistent, irritational fear that is out of all proportions to its cause. People with phobias recognize that their fears are excessive and constraiing, but they feel powerless to confront them and often go to great lengths to avoid the dreaded objects of situation.
Phobias can be of the following types;

Specific Phobia:
                          Fear of a specific object, situation, or event. Common examples include fears of animals, insects, the dark, germs, storms, heights, illness and death. From 5-10% of the population suffers from such phobias at some point in life. Women are more likely than men to be affected.

Specific phobias often arise during childhood. Although most disappear as a child matures, a few may persist for life. Some feared situations are easy enough to avoid, but others, such as a fear of flying (aerophobia) or of enclosed spaces (claustrophobia), can interfere with an individual's lifestyle and work.

Social Phobias:
                         A compelling desire to avoid situations in which its necessary to face the scrutiny of others. People with this disorder fear being embarrassed or being humiliated. For examples some persons are terrified in engaging in casual conversations; others cannot tolerate eating in a public place, using public testrooms, or interacting with a member of an opp sex. Typically a social phobia begins in adolescence and often lasts for life. About 3-5% of population suffers from some type of social phobia. Men and women have the disorder in roughly equal numbers.

Agoraphobia:
                      An intense fear of being  alone or trapped in a public place. (Agoraphobia is a Greek term for fear of market place) This is the most limiting of all phobias, causing some people literally to become prisoners in their own homes.
About 0.6% of population have agoraphobia, with a women outnumbering men. some 2/3 of people with agoraphobia experience panic attacks, periods of intense anxiety characteristics by chest pains, a rapid heartbeat, sweating, difficulty in breathing, and other symptoms easily mistaken for a heart attack.

MEDICAL TREATMENTS:
Drug Therapy:
                        Most phobias sufferers are able to cope with their fears without medication.The exceptions are people with severe agoraphobia after panic attacks; they may require a prescription medication.

(Continue)

Chickenpox (Varicella)

Chickenpox is highly contagious childhood disease. About 95% of all children have been infected with it before adolescence, most commonly between ages 3 to 9.
This disease is caused by the varicella zoster virus, which is transmitted by direct contact with an infected patient. It is contagious a day or two before its characteristics itchy rashes appear, so a child may catch it from another before signs of infection are apparent. Clusters of small and bumps progress to blisters and scabs within 24hrs, but new clusters continue forming four hours or five days. The disease remains contagious until the final crop of blisters forms scabs.
The virus then becomes dormant in the body, but my reappear yrs later as shingles. A person who lacks immunity to the varicella virus can contract chickenpox if exposed to someone with a shingles rash.

Medical Treatments:
A pediatrician's care is usually not required, unless the patient has a weak immunity system or develops severe complications.

(to be continued)

CONSTIPATION

Constipation is a condition marked by infrequent bowel movements of hard feces that are difficult to pass. Straining, rectal bleeding and a sensation of fullness is common.
In some cases, the constipation alternates with diarhhea and it may be accompanied by abdominal cramps, bloating, and gassiness. Chronic constipation often leads to hemorrhoids and other rectal problems.
Almost everyone experiences periodic bouts of constipation. However, some people mistakenly correlate the condition with a failure to have a daily bowel movements.
In reality colon function varies considerably, and bowel movements as often as three times a day and as infrequently as twice a week fall within a normal range, as long as the stools are easy to pass.

Most constipation is due to insufficient fiber in the diet (25-30gm per day are recommended) and inadequate intake of fluids. Aging, a sedentary life style, depression, emotional stress, the side effects of certain drugs, and overuse of laxatives and enemas can also be responsible.

Occasionally, constipation is a symptom of a serious underlying disorder such as colon cancer or a digestive disease.

DIAGNOSTIC STUDIES AND PROCEDURES:
Constipation i not usually considered significant medically, unless there is a major change in bowel habits that persists for more than one week. In such cases, the doctor will ask about recent dietary changes, drug use and other contributing factors, and then perform a physical examination.

Laboratory  tests of blood and stool samples may be ordered; additional diagnostic tests will depend upon results from these initial procedures. for example a direct examination of colon with a Sigmoidoscope or a colonoscope (a thin, flexible tube with magnifying and lighting devices) will be ordered if a colon tumor or other disorder is suspected.

MEDICAL TREATMENTS:

• Medical treatments are not necessary for simple constipation. in some cases, a short course of a fiber-based stool softener may be recommended, but in general, the use of laxatives and enemas is discouraged because they can disrupt normal bowl function.

• If constipation is due to a medication such as, codeine or an antidepressant, an alternative drug may be prescribed. in cases of severe obstruction, surgery my be necessary, but this is rare.

ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES:
Eliminating constipation is a major aspect of many alternative therapies, which include,

• Herbal Medicines: A number of herbs have a laxative effect, including cascara sagrada, chicory, dandlion, flaxseed, elderberry, goldenrod, licorice, and psyllium seed.
• Castor Oil is another long-recommended remedy. though it is not toxic, it sometimes cause nausea and vomiting and should be used in small amounts, if at all. or along with milk etc.

• Nutrition Therapy: The vast majority of constipation cases can be treated by increasing the amount of fiber in the diet. one simple remedy is to soak 6-8 dried figs or prunes in a glass of water overnight, and drink the water and eat the fruit in the morning.
• Nutritionist recommend eating fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grain products at every meal and as snacks.
• Rasins and other dried fruits, brown rice, beans, popcorn and whole wheat or bran cereals, breads and crackers are example of high fiber diet.
• Increase fiber intake gradually to avoid bloating, abdominal cramps, and gassiness.
• Coffee and tea also act as laxatives for some people.
• Constipation can be decreased by increasing water intake.
• When you wake-up in the morning then drink a glass of warm water with a teaspoon of lemon juice, this tonic helps to improve muscle contractions and push reside out of bowl..

ABSORPTION OF DRUGS

Drugs Given via Sub Lingual Route:

•  Nitroglycerine
• Buprenorphine
• Nifedipine

Drugs On Which Food Increase Absorption:

• Griseofulvin
• Lumefantrine
• Halofantrine
• Efavirenz
• Carbamezipine
• Indinavir
• Dofetilide
• Docetaxel
• Nitrofuruntoin
• Ritonavir

Drugs whose Absorption is Reduced:

• Tetracyclines
• Azithromycin
• Ampicillin

Drugs Where Absorption is Not Effected by Food:

• Doxycycline
• Minocycline
• Fluroquinolones

TIPS TO REDUCE FOOT ODOR

• Wear shoes made up of natural materials, such as, leather and cotton canvas that allows air to circulate.
• Don't wear the same shoes, especially sneakers, everyday; give them a chance to air out. It also helps to dust them with deodorant or foot powder.
• In hot weather, choose open shoes which enables air to circulate.
• Wear white cotton socks with sneakers.
• After exercising, bathe feet with warm water and soap, dry them thoroughly, and change into dry socks and different shoes.

FLU

(Grippe; influenza)

An influenza virus causes the flu, a very common and highly contagious respiratory infection. Some people mistakenly refer to a cold or any upper respiratory disorder as the flu. But in reality, the flu is a more severe illness than the common cold.
Not only it can lead to pneumonia, but some types of the disease are even fatal.
A bout of flu confers immunity against that particular virus strain, but because these viruses quickly change, or mutate, new strains emerge every few years. In general, however, a flu virus falls into one of three categories, Type-A, the most common, is responsible for the serious and wide spread epidemics; Type-B also causes epidemics, but with milder cases than those of Type-A; Type-C is relatively un-common, but sometimes causes outbreaks of mild flu.

Diagnostic Studies and Procedures:
Your own observations of symptoms are usually enough to tell you that you're having flu, particularly if there has been an epidemic in your area. Flu symptoms are similar to bad cold, fever, sore throat, muscle aches, running nose, cough and headache but they come on more suddenly, are more severe, and last longer. If you consult a doctor, he will do a physical examination and possibly order blood tests and a sputum culture. A chest X-Ray may also be necessary if the symptoms suggests the presence of flu and related pneumonia.

Medical Treatments:
The physician may prescribe you Amantadine if Type-A virus is involved, an anti-Parkinson's disease drug that has an anti-viral effect. Or he may prescribe an antibiotic to prevent secondary pneumonia, especially if you suffer from asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, or another lung disorder.

Alternative Therapies:
Although they are unlikely to shorten the course of the flu, a number of alternative therapies may alleviate the symptoms of the illness.

Aromatherapy: Therapist recommend placing 5 drops of cinnamon oil in 1 tablespoonful of water and inhaling the scent three times a day; they also advise massages or baths using lemon, pine needle, or rosemary oil.

Homeopathy: Aconite and Nux-vomica are recommended during the early stages of flu. One dose a week of bacillinum 30 & influenzinum 30, given separately or in combination, may be advised for severe cases. Baptisia is used for headache, aching limbs, and fever and arsenicum album for chills and diarrhea.

Hydrotherapy: For the achiness of flu, take a hot shower or bath; also try soaking your feet in a basin of hot water for 20 minutes twice a day.

Self Treatment:

Bed rest while your body fights the virus, is the best medicine. If you have a fever, drink extra fluids, including fruit juice, tea, and broth, to prevent dehydration, extra fluid also help thin any lung secretions.

For a sore throat, try gagling with warm water, double strength tea, or warm salt water. Acetaminophen, aspirin, nasal sprays and decongestants may relieve minor discomfort, however do not give aspirin to anyone under the age of 18 as it may increase the risk of Reye's Syndrome.

COMMON CAUSES OF INFERTILITY

In about 10% of all causes, there is no identifiable cause for infertility, and in a small number, the problem is related to infrequent and poorly timed intercourse. Otherwise, the most common causes of infertility include the following:

Both Sexes:

• Hormonal disorders (ovarian or testicular abnormalities, pituitary failure, adrenal or thyroid disease)
• Gonorrhea, chlamydia, and other sexually transmitted diseases.
• Obesity and excessive thinness
• Alcoholism and other drug abuse, and excessive smoking
• Genetic disorder
• Immunological factors

Female:

• Failure to ovulate (including menopause)
• Pelvic inflammatory disease and tubal scarring
• Endometriosis
• Uterine febroids
• Uterine and cervical malformations
• Hostile cervical mucus
• Prenatal exposure to DES (a synthetic estrogen prescribed to prevent miscarriage until the late 1960s)
• Turner's syndrome, a genetic disorder in which a women has three rather than two X-Chromosomes

Male:

• Low sperm count or other sperm abnormalities
• Hydrocele or variocele
• Undescented or Underdeveloped testicles
• Impotence or ejaculatory disorders
• Prostatitis
• Testicular injury or inflammation
• Klinefelter's syndrome, a genetic disorder in which a man has more than one X-Chromosomes

CANKER SORES (Aphthous stomatitis)

Canker sores are small, painful mouth ulcers that develop most often in the soft fold of tissue where the inner cheeks meet the gums. other common sites include the soft palate, tongue and floor of the mouth.

Cause:

Their specific cause is unknown, but canker sores are frequently linked to fatigue, stress, poor diet, or debilitated physical condition due to another illness. People with AIDS or certain types of cancer often develop the sores, possibly due to a weakened immune system. In contrast, some researchers believe that the sores are more likely to develop when the body's immune system attacks healthy tissue.

Another possible cause is irritation from overly vigorous brushing of the teeth, eating certain foods, dental fillings that scrape the mouth, and poorly fitted dentures. In women, canker sores often appear just prior to menstruation. Recurring attacks are common, but most canker sores heal within two weeks and leave no scars.

Medical Treatments:

Medical care is not usually necessary unless the condition persists or recurs frequently. In such cases, a mouthwash with tetracycline may be prescribed to relieve pain, especially if a secondly condition persists. in severe cases a doctor may prescribe a steroid medication to be used both as a mouthwash and in tablet form. Other prescription products are anesthetic mouthwashes to make eating more comfortable, and a paste that is applied to the ulcer to relieve pain and promote healing.


Self Treatment:
Most canker sores will clear-up within 7-10 days. In the meantime, to relieve pain, try an over-the-counter anesthetic gel or liquid.

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR PHARMACIST/PRACTITIONER:

Use this list of questions as a check-list before tarting any medication:

• What is the name of the drug? (Be sure to ask about both the brand name and the generic name and write them down so you can be certain to remember them.)
• What exactly is the drug supposed to do?
• How long will it take for the effects of the drug to become apparent?
• Should the drug be taken with food or on an empty stomach? Are there any foods I should avoid while taking the drug? Or any foods I should add any drug to my diet?
• What are the drug's most common side effects? Which are the most serious? What should be done if they appear?
• How much medication should i take? How often? For how long?
• Should I abstain from alcohol and cigarette while taking the drug?
• Is there any expiration date on the medication's label? How should I store the drug? Should I discard any that is left over? If so, how should this be done?
• What should I do if I miss a schedule dose?
• Are there any activities to avoid while using this medication? 
• How much does the drug cost? Is there any equivalent generic form that is less expensive?
• Is the drug is available in other, perhaps more convenient, forms?
• What written information is available on this drug and where can it be found?
• Are there any alternatives to drug therapy for the ailment, such as exercise, nutrition therapy, or alternative treatments?

ASPIRIN

Aspirin also known as acetylsalicylic acid is a salicylate drug, often used as an analgesic to relieve minor aches and pains, as an antipyretic to reduce fever, and as an anti-inflammatory medication. It was discovered by Arthur Eichengrün, a chemist with the German company Bayer.

Aspirin also has an ANTI-PLATELET EFFECT by inhibiting the production of thromboxane, which under normal circumstances binds platelet molecules together to create a patch over damaged walls of blood vessels. Because the platelet patch can become too large and also block blood flow, locally and downstream, aspirin is also used long-term, at low doses, to help prevent heart attacks, strokes, and blood clot formation in people at high risk of developing blood clots. It has also been established that low doses of aspirin may be given immediately after a heart attack to reduce the risk of another heart attack or of the death of cardiac tissue.

The main UN-DESIRABLE SIDE EFFECTS of aspirin taken by mouth are GASTROINTESTINAL ULCERS, STOMACH BLEEDING, and TINNITUS, especially in higher doses. In children and adolescents, aspirin is no longer indicated to control flu-like symptoms or the symptoms of chickenpox or other viral illnesses, because of the risk of REYE'S SYNDROME.

Aspirin is part of a group of medications called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), but differs from them in the mechanism of action.
Today, aspirin is one of the most widely used medications in the world, with an estimated 40,000 tonnes of it being consumed each year. In countries where Aspirin is a registered trademark owned by Bayer, the generic term is acetylsalicylic acid (ASA).

Some Famous Aspirin Brands from Pakistan are:

NAPRIN	OPAL LABORATORIES (PVT) LTD.	30s	62.40
ANTICLOT	EURO PHARMA INTERNATIONAL	300s	300.00
ASA	DON VALLEY PHARMACEUTICALS (PVT) LTD.	30s	30.25
ASCARD	ATCO LABORATORIES LIMITED	3x10s	52.00
ASKPRIN-S	ASKARI PHARMACEUTICALS.	60x10s	300.00
ASPIDIS	ZAFA PHARMACEUTICAL LABORATORIES (PVT) LTD.	100s	32.00
ASPIRIN	UNEXO LABS (PVT) LTD.	1000s	96.00
ASPIRIN	WILSHIRE LABORATORIES (PVT) LTD.	1000s	150.00
ASPIRIN	MEDICAIDS PAKISTAN (PVT) LTD.	1000s	106.96
ASPIRIN	AMROS PHARMACEUTICALS.	1000s	130.00
ASPIRIN	LISKO PAKISTAN (PVT) LTD	1000s	154.56
ASPIRIN	IPRAM INTERNATIONAL	1000s	0.00
ASPIRIN	ARDIN PHARMACEUTICALS	1000s	182.00
ASPIRIN	FERRO PHARMACEUTICAL LABORATORIES	1000s	110.00
ASPIRIN	SHIFA LABORATORIES.(PVT) LTD.	1000s	150.00
ASPIRIN	FEROZSONS LABORATOIES LTD.	1000s	144.00
ASPIRIN	FEROZSONS LABORATOIES LTD.	20x15s	49.00
ASPIRIN	FLOW PHARMACEUTICALS (PVT) LTD.	1000s	85.00
ASPIRIN	GEOFMAN PHARMACEUTICALS	1000s	183.04
ASPIRIN	IDEAL PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRIES	40x10s	57.00
ASPIRIN	IDEAL PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRIES	1000s	125.00
ASPIRIN	KARACHI PHARMACEUTICAL LABORATORY	20x10s	47.00
ASPIRIN	KARACHI PHARMACEUTICAL LABORATORY	1000s	130.00
ASPIRIN	PHARMACARE LABORATORIES (PVT) LTD.	1000s	80.00
ASPIRIN	LAHORE CHEMICAL & PHARMACEUTICAL WORKS (PVT) LTD	25x10s	144.20
ASPIRIN	LAHORE CHEMICAL & PHARMACEUTICAL WORKS (PVT) LTD	1000s	245.57
ASPIRIN	MIAN BROTHERS LABORATORIES (PVT) LTD.	1000s	115.00
ASPIRIN	MUNAWAR PHARMA (PVT) LTD.	1000s	80.00
ASPIRIN COMPOUND	PROGRESSIVE LABORATORIES	1000s	300.00
ASPIRIN COMPOUND	KARACHI PHARMACEUTICAL LABORATORY	1000s	209.10
ASPIRIN DISPERSIBLE	EURO PHARMA INTERNATIONAL	600s	300.00
ASPIRIN SOLUBLE	NAWABSONS LABORATORIES (PVT) LTD.	0	120.00
ASPRO	RECKITT BENCKISER PAKISTAN LTD.	100s	18.58
ASRIN	STAR LABORATORIES (PVT) LTD.	30s	45.00
BLOPRIN	BLOOM PHARMACEUTICALS (PVT) LTD.	3x10’s	50.00
DEERIN	DELUX CHEMICAL INDUSTRIES	1000s	100.67
DIPRIN	GENOME PHARMACEUTICALS (PVT) LTD	10x10’s	50.00
DISPIRIN DIRECT	RECKITT BENCKISER PAKISTAN LTD.	64s	54.91
EPRIN	EPOCH PHARMACEUTICAL	1000s	104.68
EPRIN	EPOCH PHARMACEUTICAL	25x10s	38.48
EROCID	EROS PHARMACEUTICALS	1000s	150.00
KAYCIGIN	KARACHI CHEMICAL INDUSTRIES	100s	20.80
LEXPRIN	LEXICON PHARMACEUTICALS (PVT) LTD.	30x10s	48.00
LOPRIN	HIGHNOON LABORATORIES LTD.	30s	57.20
MEGAPRIN	MEGA PHARMACEUTICALS (PVT) LTD	3x10s	48.00
MISPRIN	WEATHER FOLDS PHARMACEUTICALS	3x10’s	50.00
MYPRIN	SEMOS PHARMACEUTICALS (PVT) LTD.	1000s	176.00
NOVOPRIN	KRKA-PAK PHARMACEUTICAL & CHEMICAL WORKS	1000s	28.00
PANARINE	FLOW PHARMACEUTICALS (PVT) LTD.	1000s	85.00
PANCOM	MARVI LABORATORIES	1000s	0.00
PANCOM	MARVI LABORATORIES	250s	0.00
ROSPRIN	REGENT LABORATORIES LTD.	30’s	50.00
SALETO	FERROZA INTERNATIONAL PHARMACEUTICALS (PVT) LTD.	30s	15.90
SOLPRIN	PHARMAWISE LABS. (PVT) LTD.	60x10s	345.00
SOLPRIN	PHARMAWISE LABS. (PVT) LTD.	10x10s	57.50
SOLUPRIN	LISKO PAKISTAN (PVT) LTD	100s	55.00
SOLUPRIN	LISKO PAKISTAN (PVT) LTD	600s	345.76
SOLUPRIN	LISKO PAKISTAN (PVT) LTD	80s	45.00
VASPRIN	VALOR PHARMACEUTICALS	60x10s	282.00
VIN	SAYDON PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRIES (PVT) LTD.	3x10s	49.00

DEPRESSION (Diagnostic criteria)

The American Psychiatric Association uses the following symptoms to distinguish among the different types of depression.

Major Depressive Episodes:
Five or more of these symptoms must persist most of the time for two weeks:

1. Overall depressed mood.
2. Diminished interest in or pleasure from most of the activities.
3. Significant weight loss or gain.
4. Insomnia or excessive sleepiness.
5. Hyperactivity or lethargy.
6. Persistent fatigue.
7. Feelings of worthlessness or guilt.
8. Inability to concentrate or make decisions.
9. Recurrent thoughts of suicide or pre-occupation with death.

Manic Episodes:
Three or more of the following must prevail for atleast one week:

1. Inflated self esteem or grandiosity.
2. Decreased need of sleep.
3. Excessive talkativeness.
4. Racing thoughts and ideas.
5. Easily distracted.
6. Hyperactivity, especially in achieving goals, which may be unrealistic.
7. Excessive pursuit of risky activities, such as sexual indiscretions or gambling.

Dynamic Disorders:
Two or more of the following prevail for at least two years in an adult or one year in a child or adolescent.

1. Poor appetite or overeating.
2. Insomnia or excessive sleepiness.
3. Low energy or fatigue.
4. Low self esteem.
5. Poor concentration or difficulty in making decisions.
6. Feeling of hopelessness. 

CROSSED EYES(Strabismus)

Crossed eyes, or strabismus, involves a misalignment of the eyes. it is one of the most common eye problem in children, but it also occurs in adults.
Strabismus develops when the eye muscles fail to work together or to function in a parallel manner, one eye or both may turn or wander in or out, up or down. The condition can result from neurological problems, a tumor, or an injury but most often it is due to imbalance of the eye muscles.
The deviation may be constant or come and go. Sometimes it is obvious from birth; in other cases it doesn't appear until later in a child or adult. Childhood strabismus is often associated with a "lazy eye" or amblyopia, in which just one eye assumes the task of relaying visual messages to the brain.
A new born baby's eyes tend to wander, but by three or four months, an infant should be able to focus on small objects, and the eyes should be parallel.
By six months, he should be able to focus on both distant and near objects. If crossed eyes or excessive squinting persists past four months, the baby should have an eye examination. Even if their eyes appear normal, all children should have them examined by pediatrician by age six months.

Diagnostic Studies and Procedures:
Even when crossed eyes are apparent, a doctor will perform basic vision tests. Adults and other children will be asked to read numbers or letters on a wall chart, and children who cannot read will be tested with a picture chart. In very young children, the doctor estimates the vision of each eye by observing how it follows a small toy or some other brightly color objects.
Next, the external eye muscles will be tested by examining how each eye moves. The doctor may hold a pencil or a flash light in front of the eyes and ask the patient to focus on the object as it is moved in and out of the visual field. the angle of crossed eyes can be determined with special instruments. Drops are then out in the eyes to dilate the pupils for examination with an ophthalmoscope.
Additional tests may include blood and urine studies, X-Rays, a CT scan, and other imaging studies.

Medical Treatments:
If there is any underlying medical condition, it will be treated first, glasses may also be prescribed to improve the wandering eye's ability to focus, and to redirect the line of sight to synchronize and straighten the eyes.
If amblyopia is present, an eye patch may be placed over the normal eye to force the weak eye to focus. Or, eye drops or ointment may be used to blur the vision in the normal eye.
If these approaches do not work, surgery may be performed to straighten the eye muscles. The type of operation varies according to the underlying causes of problems. In the most common procedure, an eye surgeon makes small incision in the covering of the eye to adjust the tension

PRE-MENSTRUAL SYNDROME (PMS)

Pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS) refers to a group related to the menstrual cycle. It can occur in a week or two weeks before your period. The symptoms usually go away after your period starts. PMS may interfere with your normal activities at home, school or work.

Factors causing PMS:

A magnesium deficiency is associated with depression, pre-menstrual blood sugar instability and low levels of dopamine as well as heightened aldosterone production and fluid retention. Studies have shown that magnesium levels actually fluctuate wildly in PMS sufferers. There is a wealth of scientific evidence backing the use magnesium for treating PMS. The mineral has been found to improve mood swings, irritability, depression, fluid retention as well as aches and pains.Mg is best together taken with calcium and vitamin-D3 for better absorption.

The causes of PMS are not yet clear, some women may be more sensitive than others to changing hormone levels during the menstrual cycle. Stress does not seem to cause PMS, but may make it worse. PMS can affect menstruating women of any age. The common symptoms of PMS are:

• Breast swelling and tenderness
• Fatigue and trouble sleeping
• Upset stomach, bloating, constipation and diarrhea
• Headache
• Appetite changes or food carvings
• Joint or muscle pain
• Tension, Irritability, Mood wings, or crying spells
• Anxiety or depression
• Trouble concentrating or remembering
• Back aches and tiredness

Natural Treatments:

• Adopt a healthier life style
• Exercise regularly
• Get enough sleep
• Choose healthy foods
• Don't smoke
• Avoid excess of salt, sugary foods, caffeine and alcohol especially when you're having PMS
• Get enough of vitamins and minerals, a calcium supplement with vitamin-D 
• And find ways to manage stress in your life

Medical Treatments:

• The EVENING PRIMROSE OIL (Oenothera biennis) is highly regarded for the therapeutic properties of its nutritious oil that is rich in essential fatty acids. it has been found that PMS is linked to an essential fatty acids (EFAs) deficiency. Sufferers of this condition usually have adequate levels of the Omega-6 EFA, namely the linoleic acid (LA) but very low levels of  the Gamma-Linolenic acid (GLA) metabolite, which is important for good health.

Mechanism of Action:

In the body, LA needs to be converted to GLA in order to be fully utilized. However, this conversion is slowed down by many factors such as poor eating habits, ageing, stress, alcohol, high cholesterol, viral infections, saturated and trans fats. The administration of GLA is therefore of value to  provide sufficient amounts of GLA and further metabolites, thus bypassing the conversion process.

The use of Evening Primrose Oil (EPO) for treating PMS is well documented. Results from various studies done on Efamol evening Primrose Oil and women with PMS have shown that the oil is effective for improving the symptoms of PMS specially breast tenderness, pain and lumpiness as well as depression.

Choose an Evening Primrose Oil product that is rich in Omega-6 EFA and delivers 12-14% of GLA. A regular intake of EPO can not only ease menstruation problems, but also those relating to acne, atopic aczema, diabetic neuropathy and psoriasis.

A BETTER CHOICE FOR FEMALES

Bio-Life Evening Primrose Oil 500mg & 1000mg


One capsule contains:
Evening Primrose Oil:                              500mg/1000mg
equivalent gamma-linolenic acid(GLA):    50mg/100mg
Vitamin-E:                                               7.5iu

GLA is a poly unsaturated fatty acid from the omega-6 (n-6) series.
It is involved in;

• Modulation of membrane functions.
• Formation of short lived local regulating molecules prostaglandins (PG) and leukotrienes.
• Control of water permeability of skin.
• Regulation of cholesterol transport and cholesterol synthesis.

Vitamin-E (d-alpha tocopherol) acts as a antioxidant, mopping up free radicals created by exposure to oxygen and therefore prevents further oxidation and spoilage of the oil.

Beneficial Uses:

• For dry skin
• premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
• Mastalgia (Breast pain)
• Viral infection
• Hyperactivity in children
• Atopic aczema
• Diabetic Neuropathy
• For menopausal women as estrogen substituent along with other medicines.
• Elderly people and those who are exposed to long term stress, poor diet and with high alcohol consumption due to the decline in the ability to convert linoleic acid to GLA.

AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION DIETARY RECOMMENDATIONS

Percentage of daily Calories                                                                      Sources
55-60%                                                                                                   Carbohydrates
12-15%                                                                                                        Proteins
Less than 30%                                                                                               Total fat
No-more than 10%                                                                                     Saturated fats
Dietary cholesterol limit                                                                                  300mg/day
Dietary sodium limit                                                                            3gm/day(about 1.5 teaspoons of salt)

IMPORTANT WARNING SIGNS

The presence of any of these signs and symptoms demand extra caution:

Head Injury:
-A depression in the skull, or a cut or bruise in the scalp.
-Bleeding or clear discharge from the nose or ears.
-Bleeding from the mouth.
-Pupils of different sizes.
-Speech or vision disturbances.
-Altered nervous state, such as drowsiness, nervousness or unconsciousness.
-Muscle twitching
-Convulsions
-Altered pulse rate (more than 80beats/min or less than 60beats/min)
-Vomiting
-Unusual pallor or reddish skin tone.
-Headache

Neck & Back Injury:
-Head resting in an abnormal position.
-Stiff neck
-Tingling sensations in the hands and feet
-Loss of feeling.
-Paralysis of arms, legs or other parts of body
-Loss of bladder control

COUGHS(Tussis)

A cough is the forcible expulsion of air from the airways to rid them of any obstructions. It is often triggered by excessive fluids in the bronchial passages; but it may also be an attempt to get rid of dust, pollen, and other pollutants in the lungs.
A fit of coughing may have been set off by food or fluid entering the wind-pipe. A regular intermittent cough could be a nervous tic or simply a manifestation of boredom.
coughing of limited duration is associated with a cold, the flu or bronchitis, while chronic coughing usually indicates an underlying condition such as asthma, an allergy, or a lung tumor. A chronic cough is also an inevitable consequence of smoking.


Diagnostic Studies & Procedures:
In general, a doctor should be consulted about a nagging cough if;

-If it is accompanied by chest pains, severe earache, or swollen neck glands.
-It lasts for more than a week.
-It is accompanied by temperature above 102F(39c)
-It produces blood or a thick and yellowish-green sputum.
-It is accompanied by wheezing and a feeling of breathlessness.

In such circumstances, a doctor will ask about other symptoms, smoking and drinking habits, and occupation, and follow up with a physical examination and chest X-Rays.
If a patient doesn't cough spontaneously, the doctor may try to induce a coughing spell. Any sputum will be examined and cultured for bacteria. Additional tests might include lung scans, pulmonary function tests, and bronchoscopy(viewing of bronchial passages through special devices)

Medical Treatments:
Treatment of any cough depends on the underlying condition. Those associated with colds or flu can be managed with self-care. I coughing interferes with sleep, a suppressant containing codeine may be prescribed for nighttime use.

Alternative Therapies:
Aromatherapy: Inhaling the steam from a strong tea made with 1 table-spoon of dried thyme, eucalyptus, chamomile, or peppermint leaves and one cup of boiling water helps to ease congestion.

Ayurveda: For a mucus-producing cough practitioners recommend a tea of 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder, a pinch of clove and a pinch of cinnamon powder. To sooth a scratchy throat, they advise a gargle made with a pinch of salt and two pinches of turmeric powder in a glass of warm water.

Herbal Medicines: Eucalyptus, horehound, wild cherry, and licorice are among the many herbal remedies that have been incorporated into a standard cough medicine and lozenges to sooth a sore, scratchy throat.

Naturopathy: An onion-honey mixture is a time honored cough remedy. To prepare it, slice an onion into a deep bowl, cover the slices with honey, let the mixture steep overnight, and then strain-out the onions. Take a tea-spoon of the mixture four times a day.

Relaxation Therapies: Coughing produced by stress or by a nervous tic can eventually be eliminated by practicing yoga breathing exercises and meditation.

Self Treatment:
The only cure for a smoker's cough is to break the tobacco habit. A cough from a mild respiratory infection will disappear as the body rids itself of the virus.
A doctor may advise a non-prescription expectorant to thin mucus and make it easier to cough up. Be aware, however, that many cough medicines contain ingredients that may interact with other drugs, especially those prescribed for high blood pressure, heart diseases, and other chronic illnesses.

Other self-help measures include:
-Transform the bathroom into a home steam-room by closing the door, turning on the hot water in the shower, and inhaling the steamy air until the coughing stops.

-Drink plenty of hot liquids during the day and use a vaporizer at night.

-Suck a herbal o zinc lozenges to get rid of the tickle in your throat.

Other Causes Of Coughs:
Coughing is a symptom of allergies, asthma, chronic bronchitis, cystic fibrosis, emphysema, lung cancer, and occupational lung disorders. Cough also occur in croup, laryngitis, pneumonia, pleurisy, and tuberculosis. 

ASSEMBLING A FIRST AID KIT

Arrange the following items in a tool box or divided make-up kit.

-Adhesive strip bandages
-Analgesic tablets such as, Aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen (add liquid acetaminophen for children)
-Angle-edged tweezers to pluck-out glass and splinters.
-Antibiotic ointment for minor cuts.
-Antihistamine cream for insect bites and itching.
-Antiseptics such as isopropyl alcohol, betadine or antiseptic towelettes to clean disinfectant wounds.
-Calamine lotion.
-Cotton tip applicators and cotton balls.
-Disposable latex gloves.
-Elastic bandages for sprains.

-A firm piece of plastic, such as an expired credit card, to scrape away a stringer after a bee sting.
-Flash light and batteries.
-Fragrance-free soap.
-Instant ice compress.
-Ipecac syrup and activated charcoal for poisoning incidents.
-Oral thermometer
-Scissors
-Sterile four-inches gauze pads, long gauze roll.
-Telephone numbers for the family's primary-care physician, emergency medical service, fire department, and poison control center.