Sleep Apnea Patients Utilize a Pulse Oximeter to Monitor Their Breathing During Sleep

By Jacob Walters
Sleep apnea is a very common health condition that affects millions of Americans. What sleep apnea essentially is that an individual stops breathing for a certain period of time while they are sleeping. Although its only a pause in breathing this in fact can have some serious affects on the health and wellness of individuals who

have apnea. One of the first affects that apnea has on individuals is the fact that those individuals with the condition find themselves very tired the next day. The reason for this is the fact that they actually have not gotten enough oxygen and thus have not slept in order to be energetic and active the next morning. One of the solutions for those individuals that have apnea is that they attend apnea clinics where they are closely monitored by special machines in order to record and monitor their health condition. A lot of times these centers can provide treatment that either improves or even completely cures the apnea. However, a problem that exists is the fact that once the individual with sleep apnea leaves the apnea center they have no other device that they can utilize at home that will allow them to monitor their oxygen levels during sleep just as the devices do at the centers. There is now a device that offers this function and it is a portable pulse oximeter.

A pulse oximeter is a medical and health device that measures the blood oxygen saturation or oxygen levels of individuals instantly and on a continuous basis. The way that a pulse oximeter relates to apnea is that an individual with sleep apnea can utlize a pulse oximeter when they go to sleep in their home and the device will measure their oxygen levels throughout the night. Advanced apnea pulse oximeters have the ability to measure the oxygen levels of the individual on a continuous basis while the patient sleeps safe and sound in their own home. The oximeter device will record the readings that it gets on the computer memory of the device and later the patient can take that date and upload it onto a computer for further analysis. The analysis will show exactly the oxygen levels of the individual throughout the night and will pinpoint specific points of sleep apnea and lack of oxygen. This is a very powerful tool for those with apnea because they no longer are constrained to have to sleep in apnea centers to have their oxygen levels monitored in their sleep. They simply utilize a portable pulse oximeter which is a small device that can be taken anywhere by the individual and is used to measure their oxygen levels while the patient sleeps throughout the night. Most pulse oximeters also have alarm functions that actually will sound an alarm should the oxygen levels fall below healthy levels and also will record this occurrence on its memory computer. The device is quite portable and can be taken wherever the individual desires to go.

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Medical and Legal Experts Caution of Rise in Fraud Against Asian Dementia Patients

By Nick Peake
As some populations in South East Asia begin to age, a worrying trend has begun to be noted whereby dementia patients are being are victims of fraud by their relatives and friends. With citizens growing richer but still relying on their relatives for care, legal experts have urged people at risk to take steps to protect their wealth whilst they are still able to.

Fraud or mistreatment of the elderly has long been a taboo subject in Asia, a region that places an emphasis on values such as filial piety, family harmony and respect for the elderly.

Countries such as Singapore have recognized the threat of such a problem. The Government enacted the Mental Capacity Act in March 2010 to combat the threat of fraud. The Act provides for an individual to have a nominee to manage their assets when they are no longer of sound mind. The process is similar to a Power of Attorney and involves the medical community Singapore's public guardian office.

Hong Kong has a Guardianship Board tribunal to resolve disputes over the handling of the assets belonging to an elderly person suffering dementia. The tribunal hears around 300 fraud cases involving senior citizens each year.

Legal and medical experts have suggested that the best method to protect potential victims against dementia fraud is to have an early diagnosis of the disease. Those who know they are at risk of suffering dementia later can draw up wills and enduring powers of attorney while they are still mentally sound, and have them publicly recorded as their wishes on how they and their assets should be treated.

Though Singapore and Hong Kong authorities have begun to address this problem, many other Asian countries have been slow on the uptake. This is despite the fact that the populations in parts of Asia are predicted to age rapidly without an effective legal and social structure to handle the myriad problems of aging.

Dementia is an irreversible fatal brain-wasting disease which weakens the memory, thinking, behaviour and ability to handle daily activities. Patients can continue to live for many years after they have ceased to function mentally. This in turn can result in family conflict with children competing to control the finances of the elder person and cases of fraud and abuse can occur.

The best advice is don't leave it too late to make a living will. If you are still active but facing a decline in mental capacity, get started on the living will now via a lawyer or other advisor.

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Medical Students Use Portable Pulse Oximeter Technology for Training

By Jacob Walters
Medical school can be an extremely challenging yet rewarding experience that produces truly one of the most respected professions in our society. Physicians are truly the carriers of our health and are the ones we turn to in case of health or medical needs. While in medical school, university students always desired to have a medical device that was capable of measuring the pulse rate and blood oxygen

saturation of individual patients while the students were in training. Well, one of the few devices that actually can be used to measure these two very important vital signs is a pulse oximeter. The typical pulse oximeter device is utilized to measure pulse rate and blood oxygen saturation of an individual patient. Depending on the specific health condition that you possess the ability to monitor these vital signs can be the difference between good health and bad health. What the medical students were always used to was the previous generation of pulse oximeter devices that were typically found in hospitals. These devices did in fact measure the pulse rate and the blood oxygen saturation of individuals, however they were not mobile at all. The device was quite large and bulky and typically had to remain plugged into an electrical power source because it was not made to be portable. So, unless every room or anywhere the patient was had a pulse oximeter device there really was no other accurate device that was able to measure pulse rate and blood oxygen saturation. Further, the device that was previously found in the hospital and clinical settings was very expensive. It was mostly intended for the hospital settings where they have large budgets in order to cover the cost of health care and medical devices.

But the medical device has been rapidly changed by technology and the new introduction of a portable pulse oximeter. New chip technology has truly changed the landscape of the oximeter device market. The new chips have decreased the size of the pulse oximeter device from what was traditionally a size of a small microwave to a device that is only a fraction of the size of a cell phone. In addition, with the use of portable batteries the device has now become completely portable and can be taken wherever the individual desires to. Further, the new technology has also significantly brought down the cost and price of the product to a level where it is extremely affordable even by student standards. However, although the size as well as the price has dramatically decreased, the accuracy and effectiveness of the device has not. The device still remains very accurate and useful in measuring pulse rate and blood oxygen saturation. The university student can simply take the device wherever they need to go and as they are in training and treating patients they can simply take out the device and measure the health and vital signs of individual patients. The price is also something that has attracted the students because now they can truly afford the device without having to incur a big financial blow.

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Pulse Oximeter Use With Lanyards Allows for Vital Sign Monitoring While on the Go

By Jacob Walters
Lanyards may not be a technologically advanced concept, but they do however play a key role in the use of a pulse oximeter. A pulse oximeter is a medical and health device that is used by many different individuals to monitor their pulse rate as well as blood oxygen saturation. You may asking what is blood oxygen saturation.

Well, oxygen saturation is also known as SpO2 and is better known as the percentage of oxygen in the blood. This is a very important number that determines the health of an individual who have very specific health conditions. One health condition in particular is COPD. This condition is better known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder which is in particular a lung illness that will not allow the body to get enough oxygen. As oxygen is the most essential element to life, COPD is a specially dangerous health condition as it directly effects the level of oxygen that is absorbed by the body and thus can cause many different and ill health conditions. A pulse oximeter is a great tool to utilize in order to monitor the oxygen levels of an individual with COPD or any other respiratory conditions in order to make sure that the person is functioning at optimal health. Well, individuals on the average are quite mobile and they tend to not stay in one place. They may go from their home to work, the gym, or even to go on a trip and as such they need to take their oximeter device with them in order to monitor their health wherever they go.

The issue that arises is that the oximeter device although mobile can be dropped and depending on the elevation from which it is dropped this can seriously damage the oximeter device and thus make it so that it may no longer function properly. As such lanyards play a very important part in preventing such a thing from happening. A lanyard is a thread-like string that is very strong that attaches to an oximeter. Once it is attached to the oximeter you can then put the lanyard around your neck and as such you can take the device with you wherever you desire to go. By using a lanyard in order to secure the oximeter, you can rest assured that it will not be dropped and damaged as a result of an accidental drop. Most pulse oximeter distributors provide a lanyard that comes with the device and will allow you to comfortably take the oximeter device wherever you like without the fear of dropping it. One place in particular where you may definitely need a pulse oximeter is while mountain climbing. Individuals with various health conditions need to monitor their pulse rate and oxygen levels while they are mountain climbing and as such the pulse oximeter provides them with such a monitoring. However, as they are operating on rough terrain at altitudes it is especially important that they use a lanyard to secure the oximeter device so that it does not get damaged inadvertently.

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CPR Certification - Have A First-Aid CPR Program Soon and Make A Real Change!

By Adam N King
If you want to attain CPR certification, You have to take a CPR first aid course immediately! Did you know that less than 10% of people who suffer a cardiac arrest while not in hospital survive? That is in the USA not any third world country. That is shocking! Why? As if somebody in the vicinity of those victims had started CPR or

knew methods to use an AED appropriately the rate of survival would be much greater.

Less than a third of all cardiac arrest victims receive CPR from a civilian. While our emergency services are impressive it takes time for them to reach the scene and time is one thing those people may not have. Yet when CPR is applied properly these peoples probability of survival can double. Knowing these points can you see why you require to get certified?

You can take a first aid course almost anywhere so long as it is certified by the Red Cross or the American Heart Association. They're not costly and do not take up a lot of time. You do not require any previous medical knowledge and if kids can learn methods to do this lifesaving strategy therefore can any adult learn the fundamental CPR steps.

The current AEDs are user friendly with useful visual and audio indication as to what to do next. But you can't use a defibrillator unless you are well trained as you could cause extra problems. You will learn ways to use those devices which can be found in most public areas when you take your CPR class.

Cardiac arrest does not only happen to old people. Children and teens suffer too. What would you do if it was your child who was struck down? Apologize to them as they are dying, listening to you clarify how you meant to take a CPR course but had not yet got round to it?

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Conditions of Premature Babies

By Bernadette Ang
Premature babies, or preemies, are born before the 37th week of pregnancy. Since they are born too early, they weigh much less than full-term babies. Their organs are not yet develop, causing them to have health problems and thus they need special and close monitoring in a NICU or neonatal intensive care unit by a neonatologist to

assess their medical condition. Babies are discharged out of NICU when their organs are already developed.

Since organs of premature babies are not fully developed, they may have the following conditions: apnea of prematurity (AOP)-a condition which premature infants stop breathing for 15 to 20 seconds during sleep; bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD)-is a serious lung condition that affects premature infants needing oxygen therapy; intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH)-is bleeding inside or around the ventricles, the spaces in the brain containing cerebral spinal fluid; necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC)-a gastrointestinal disease involving infection and inflammation that causes destruction of the bowel or part of the bowel; patent ductus arteriosus (PDA)- a heart problem that characterized by the occurrence of abnormal blood flow between the two major arteries connected to the heart; periventricular leukomalacia (PLV)-is characterized by the death of the white matter of the brain due to softening of the brain tissue which is brought about by the lack of oxygen or blood flow to the periventricular area of the brain; respiratory distress syndrome (RDS)- is brought about by immature lungs which cannot produce enough surfactant. Surfactant is a liquid coating that allows lungs to open and not to collapse while breathing; retinopathy of prematurity (ROP)-occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow and spread throughout the retina which causes scarring and pulling out of the retina in position that further leads to visual impairment and blindness; transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN)-a lung condition which causes newborns' breathing during the first hour of life more rapid and labored than normal; very low birth weight-babies who are born weighing less than 1,500 grams (3 pounds, 4 ounces).

Feeding becomes the most important during babies' stay in the NICU to ensure growth and development, therefore breastfeeding is encouraged. Breast milk has a lot of benefits for babies especially for premature and sick ones. However, premature babies aren't ready to suck yet. They are feed through a tube. Mothers should learn how to pump their milk so it can be delivered by tube to the babies' stomach.

Parents having premature babies are often worried, may feel anxiety and confusion; not only because of the medical condition of their babies but also because of the various equipment in the NICU that may threaten them about their babies. Some of the common reactions by parents are fear, anger, guilt, loss, and powerlessness. Talking with the NICU team may help reduce the discomfort. It will help in understanding babies' conditions and needs as well as of the parents' conditions and capacity to handle the situation therein. Through this, they can set their level of expectations and cope with the NICU experience.

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Spine Surgery As a Last Resort

By Leena L Marcos
There are different types of treatment options available for those individuals, who are suffering from spinal problems. This is important to note that there are several conservative treatment options available for the spinal problems and the surgery of the spine is considered as the last option when the patient doesn't get any benefit from non-invasive methods of treatment. Followings are some of the treatment

options, which are non-invasive and, which can be done prior to spine surgery.

Above all, the discussion would remain incomplete without physiotherapy. This is a method which is widely available for a number of painful conditions and therefore; in case of painful spinal problems, physiotherapy could be one of the best choices. This modality is highly recommended by the doctors since it provides relief by physical and mechanical methods. There are different types of exercises like stretching and strengthening exercises. These exercises not only make it possible for a patient to overcome the pain due to the spinal problem, but also they get muscle relaxation and muscle strengthening as well. The exercises of physiotherapy are simple and some of the exercises could be even without the help of a physiotherapist.

The second most common and important option is the medications. The medicines are given with the consideration that spinal surgery is the last resort. There are several types of medicines, which are given to the patients having spinal problems. These medicines include painkillers like NSAIDs, Steroids and the medicines which act against the cause of illness. In many cases, these medicines are prescribed along with the physiotherapy in order to have more pronounced results. The anti-inflammatory medicines like NSAIDs not only decrease the pain but also inflammation at the spine and hence decrease the restriction of activities.

Although spinal surgery is the last resort, however; there are several methods in order to avoid spinal surgery if a patient consults a doctor in early course of his illness. Delay in the treatment not only increases the pain and discomfort, but also increases the chances of surgery. Hence it is better to see the doctor as soon as possible.

Last but not least, early medical intervention is necessary not only to get relief from pain and discomfort, but also for the treatment of serious illnesses, which remain hidden, unless a patient does not see the doctor earlier. In order to get good health and to avoid surgery at the initial stage, it is better to get medical attention as much earlier as possible. There are several conditions, which mimic back pain and among these conditions spinal problems are the worst conditions. Therefore; don't delay the treatment and reach to the doctor as early as possible.

This article is provided for information purposes only. Please consult a doctor for treatment options. This article is not written by a doctor or checked for accuracy by a physician.

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Why You Should Use the Head Lice Comb

By Max Lara
There are various methods you can use in the removal of head lice. These range from pesticide based shampoos to home made remedies. The head lice comb is another method of removing head lice that is gaining popularity.

This comb is made of metal teeth which are finely spaced. It has a plastic handle which is sealed to ensure that lice do not hide in it. You should use the lice comb because of the following reasons.

The lice comb is quite cheap. Finding and purchasing a lice comb is not costly. There are many brands out there. The one with the finest and relatively long teeth is the best. Its cost when compared to the shampoos is quite little.

This comb does not have any side effects. It is recommended that you use the comb on wet hair. Wet hair is soft which prevents pulling of hair. This can cause headaches. Some of the shampoos have been observed to have some side effects like irritation of the scalp and others have been linked to cancer.

The comb is a durable product. Once you buy a comb, it can be used for years. Unless it gets damaged, it only needs to be sterilized with hot water to be used. This way, a single comb can be used on different children. Shampoos and other home made remedies tend to get spoilt and expire over time. If lice strike again, you will need to buy new products.

The lice comb removes both the adult head lice and the nits. Many of the other treatment methods either remove the adult lice or the nits. The combing motion should be from the scalp toward the hair ends. This way, the fine teeth collect any adult lice which are on the scalp and the nits lodged on the hair strands.

The lice comb is immediate in its effect. By using the comb you can determine if the lice are being removed by checking the teeth every time you comb through the hair. With other methods, you will have to wait for some minutes and wash off the hair before determining if there was any effect.

In many cases, the use of shampoos will require you use the head lice comb to remove and lice that might be lodged in the hair after washing. The long procedure can be avoided by washing the hair and using the comb alone.

This comb can be used on any hair regardless of type and size. The other types of head lice treatments work well depending on the length of hair and type. For example, dense hair makes it hard for shampoos to reach the scalp where the lice are found.

The head lice comb has many advantages over the other head lice remedies. Its only disadvantag

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Free Online CPR Courses Can Help You Learn CPR

By Dave Gorski
Everyone knows that knowing CPR can save the life of someone in an emergency. There are many places that you can go to get lessons. However, there are people who can't get to those lessons, for whatever reason. Luckily, there are free online CPR courses that people can take to learn CPR. One good thing about learning CPR online

is that it is easy to keep up with the latest guidelines. It can take a lot of time to get books printed and redistributed, but changing a website only takes a couple of minutes.

If you choose to do free online CPR courses instead of classes at a brick and mortar site, you should make sure that the classes are taught by a professional who knows what they are doing. People can get hurt if CPR is done incorrectly. Make sure that the website has step-by-step instructions, but also has pictures and videos taken from many different angles so that you can get a clear image of what is happening. One place to check for good sites is the American Heart Association. They have a list of resources.

One the same websites where you can find good free online CPR courses, you should be able to find things like a CPR mask keychain, wallet cards that have the basics on it to refresh your memory, pictures and links to other resources. The online course that you take should teach you that you should always use a mask when performing CPR. Keeping a mask keychain with you means that you are always ready to perform CPR. Some even have gloves in the pouch on the keychain.

Learning how to do CPR could one day save the life of someone you know, or maybe someone you don't know in an emergency situation as you walk by. If you choose to take free online CPR courses, make sure that the website you are using has all the latest guidelines and is taught by a professional. Make sure before you try doing anything that you understand the instructions. Check with the American Red Cross for suggestions of where to go.

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