Category Archives: Medicine

Professional Development Resources to Add Continuing Education Courses on Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Posted by on August 26, 2011 1 comment

Professional Development Resources to Add Continuing Education Courses on Complementary and Alternative Medicine











PDResources


Jacksonville, FL (PRWEB) August 04, 2011

Professional Development Resources has expanded its course catalog to include a variety of new continuing education (CE) courses dealing with various aspects of complementary and alternative medicine. New topics include mindfulness meditation, yoga as medicine, self-healing through breathing exercises, and the use of herbal medicines. The courses are intended to introduce health professionals to the healing power of traditional approaches to health and wellness.

According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCAAM), defining complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is not easy. It is generally considered to be a group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not generally considered part of conventional medicine. “Complementary medicine” refers to use of CAM together with conventional medicine, such as using acupuncture in addition to usual care to help lessen pain. “Alternative medicine” refers to use of CAM in place of conventional medicine. “Integrative medicine” (also called integrated medicine) refers to a practice that combines both conventional and CAM treatments for which there is evidence of safety and effectiveness.

“We think it is important for clinicians to be familiar with these approaches for two reasons,” says Leo Christie, PhD, CEO of Professional Development Resources. “First, many of the clients we see are using such treatments, so we need to know about them. A recent survey indicated that about 38% of adult Americans use CAM. Are the treatments safe? Do they work? We need to worry about interactions between certain herbal supplements and prescription medications. Second, researchers are starting to produce a body of scientific evidence on the efficacy of complementary and alternative approaches. As new and effective treatments become available, we need to be in a position to discuss them with our clients.”

Among the new courses offered by Professional Development Resources are these:

Mindfulness and the Therapeutic Relationship (5 hours CE), Healing the Whole Person: Applications of Yoga Psychotherapy (4 hours CE), Alternative Therapies: Herbs I (What Every Clinician Should Know) (1 hour CE), and Breathing: The Master Key to Self-Healing (2 hours CE).

Christie adds “we emphasize in our courses that – as with any medical treatment – there can be risks with CAM therapies.” These general precautions from NCAAM can help to minimize risks:


    Select CAM practitioners with care. Find out about the practitioner’s training and experience.
    Be aware that some dietary supplements may interact with medications or other supplements, may have side effects of their own, or may contain potentially harmful ingredients not listed on the label. Also keep in mind that most supplements have not been tested in pregnant women, nursing mothers, or children.
    Tell all your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use.

About Professional Development Resources, Inc.

Professional Development Resources is a Florida nonprofit educational corporation founded in 1992 by licensed marriage and family therapist Leo Christie, PhD. The company, which is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA), the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB), the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC), the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), and the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) of the American Dietetic Association (ADA) – as well as many other national and state boards – has focused its efforts on making continuing education courses more cost-effective and widely accessible to health professionals by offering online home study coursework. Its current expanded curriculum includes a wide variety of clinical topics intended to equip health professionals to offer state-of-the art services to their clients.

Contact:

Leo Christie, PhD, CEO

Professional Development Resources, Inc.

904-645-3456

http://www.pdresources.org/

# # #









Attachments





















Vocus©Copyright 1997-

, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.







CHPA Commends Senator Biden on Legislation Aimed at Curbing Medicine-Abuse Trend

Posted by on August 17, 2011 1 comment

CHPA Commends Senator Biden on Legislation Aimed at Curbing Medicine-Abuse Trend










Washington, D.C. (Vocus) October 31, 2007

Today, Senator Joseph R. Biden, Jr. (D-Del.), introduced the Dextromethorphan Abuse Reduction Act of 2007, which would prevent teens under the age of 18 from purchasing cough medicines containing dextromethorphan while providing federal funding to two key anti-drug groups that are working to educate families about the dangers of cough medicine abuse. Following is a statement by Linda A. Suydam, D.P.A., president of the Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA), on the bill’s introduction:

“CHPA commends Senator Biden and Senators Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), and Diane Feinstein (D-Calif.) for their recent congressional effort to address the problem of teens abusing medicines to get high. The trend of teens looking to the medicine cabinet to get high with prescription and over-the-counter medicines is very troubling. The leading makers of OTC cough medicines have been working to raise awareness about this problem and are pleased to see such strong leadership from the U.S. Senate on this issue. National age restrictions and increased funding for education and outreach would complement efforts underway by CHPA and its partners to protect America’s youth from the serious threat of medicine abuse and underscores the integral role that parents have in educating their children about the dangers associated with medicine abuse. Parents are the most effective tool we have in addressing this problem and the funding provided in this bill for education and prevention is a testament to the importance of education in preventing substance abuse.

“As the makers of over-the-counter medicines, we take very seriously the abuse of our medicines and remain committed to effectively addressing this dangerous problem. While national age restrictions will serve as a major step forward in reducing teen medicine abuse, education is still paramount to preventing its abuse. As the makers of over-the-counter medicines, we are spearheading several major campaigns to raise awareness of dextromethorphan abuse, including the comprehensive web site, http://www.StopMedicineAbuse.org. We are proud to be working with the Partnership for a Drug-Free America, the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America, and D.A.R.E America in these efforts.

“Our work includes English- and Spanish-language educational resources for parents and community leaders, an online campaign (http://www.FiveMoms.com) geared specifically toward parental awareness, public service announcements and web sites for both parents and teens. We are committed to educating and empowering parents to take responsibility and action by learning about cough medicine abuse, talking to their kids about the dangers of abusing medicines, and paying attention to the medicines in their homes.”

Note: All of CHPA’s initiatives to stop cough medicine abuse by teens are summarized online at http://www.StopMedicineAbuse.org.

CHPA is the 126-year-old-trade association representing U.S. manufacturers and distributors of over-the-counter medicines and nutritional supplement products.

http://www.chpa-info.org

###






















Vocus©Copyright 1997-

, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.







Free Medicine Foundation Helps Diabetics Receive Prescription Assistance

Posted by on May 19, 2011 1 comment

Free Medicine Foundation Helps Diabetics Receive Prescription Assistance












Doniphan, MO (PRWEB) November 15, 2006

Diabetics concerned over how to pay for their prescription medications now have a resource to help them: Free Medicine Foundation. Although free medicine assistance has been around for more than 50 years, most people have never heard about and do not know how to apply for free medicine. Free Medicine Foundation’s mission is to inform the media and the public of assistance that may be available to thousands of Americans who don’t even realize they qualify for such help.

People with Type 1 Diabetes or Type 2 Diabetes know that lowering their blood sugar is the key to managing diabetes. Eating healthy and staying active are two ways to lower blood sugar. But many people need more help. They also need to take medicine to help control their blood sugar levels. Many need to take more than one medicine to help treat Diabetes in different ways. That’s where Free Medicine Foundation can help.

Many prescription Diabetes medications are available for free or low-cost. The following medicines may be available through a free or low-cost plan located through Free Medicine Foundation: Actos, Amaryl, Avandamet, Avandaryl, Avandia, Avandia, Byetta, Desmopressin, Diabetes Insulin, Glipizide, Glucophage, Glucotrol, Glucovance, Glyburide, Insulin, Humalog, Human Insulin, Humulin 50/50, Humulin 70/30, Humulin Insulin, Humulin N, Humulin R, Humulin U, Insulin aspart (Novolog), Insulin glargine (Lantus), Insulin lispro (Humalog, Insulin prefilled syringes, and cartridges, Lantus, Metformin, Micronase, Minirin Ddavp, Novolin 70/30, Novolin N, Novolin R, NPH human insulin, NPH insulin and hundreds more. Patients can apply for as many medicines as they need; there is no limit. Keep in mind that prescription assistance is available for most all medications.

Free Medicine Foundation works tirelessly to match patients with hundreds of free or low-cost available programs by scouring available medicine assistance plans to find plans that match applicant needs. “Since our inception, we have helped countless families across the nation completely eliminate or substantially reduce their prescription drug bills,” says Cindy Randolph, spokesperson for the Free Medicine Foundation organization. “Although we cannot guarantee your approval, if you believe you may qualify to participate, we will be diligent in our efforts to assist you. Past results have proven our program successful.”

This program is for those who are falling through the cracks financially, and make just enough money so they don’t qualify for Medicaid, but not enough to afford a prescription coverage plan or to buy their own medications. Keep in mind these programs are not just for poor people. For people who find it a hardship to buy their medicines, they should apply for prescription assistance.

Drug sponsors recognize that sometimes exceptions need to be made based on a patient’s individual circumstances. Individuals who do not meet these criteria may still qualify if both they and their physicians attest that the patients have special circumstances of financial and medical hardship, and their incomes are below an established limit. With each medication, the income criteria varies from below the poverty level up to $ 39,200 for individuals, $ 52,800 for couples, and as high as $ 80,000 for a family of four.

Upon approval, brand-name free medicines typically arrive in two to three weeks, sent directly to the patient’s home, or a coupon is given to take to a local pharmacy or sent to the doctor’s office, typically in a 90-day supply. These programs can provide an ongoing lifetime supply of free medication. If the patient is not approved, and receives no medicine, Free Medicine Foundation refunds the full processing fee per no risk money back guarantee. The patient has everything to gain and nothing to lose.

3.4 million seniors will enter the uninsured “doughnut hole” and start paying the next $ 2,850 out of their own pockets. Free Medicine Foundation can help cut this cost up to 90%. Pet medicines are also available through low-cost assistance programs.

Caregivers, churches and social organizations are encouraged to utilize Free Medicine Foundation’s services. Volunteers are needed to help spread the word to those who cannot afford the high costs of prescription medication. Send Free Medicine Foundation an e-mail or call 1-573-996-3333 to request a free supply of brochure-enrollment forms that are designed to provide the patient/applicant with information and an application for the program. Patients can apply directly online or print the application in English or Spanish. Free Medicine Foundation requires a one-time refundable $ 5 processing fee for each medication requested.

For patients with conditions such as Diabetes that require lifelong medication, Free Medicine Foundation can be a lifesaver. To learn more, apply or request a free brochure visit: http://www.FreeMedicine.com or call 1-573-996-3333.

Media Contact:

Cindy Randolph

1-573-996-3333

http://www.FreeMedicine.com

###









Attachments























Vocus©Copyright 1997-

, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.







Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Making Their Mark in the United States

Posted by on May 13, 2011 1 comment

Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Making Their Mark in the United States










Alexandria, VA (PRWEB) October 12, 2004

Approximately one-third (36%) of U.S. adults use some form of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), according to a recent survey by the National Institutes of Health. Among the common CAM practices identified by the survey were acupuncture, acupressure, herbal medicine, tai chi and qi gong.

October 24 is Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Day. It is part of an effort designed to increase public awareness of the progress, promise, and benefits of acupuncture and Oriental medicine.

Many acupuncturists and Oriental medicine providers across the country are providing free or discounted treatments, open houses, educational seminars or other activities as part of this annual observance.

Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Day is supported by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM), which provides certification to acupuncture and Oriental medicine practitioners who have completed an approved educational program and an examination process assessing their ability to provide safe and competent patient care.

More information about Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Day and a directory of certified practitioners may be found at http://www.aomday.org.

# # #



















Vocus©Copyright 1997-

, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.







Free Medicine Foundation Helps Patients Taking Costly Cholesterol Drugs Receive Prescription Assistance

Posted by on November 18, 2010 1 comment

Free Medicine Foundation Helps Patients Taking Costly Cholesterol Drugs Receive Prescription Assistance












Doniphan, MO (PRWEB) December 5, 2006 -

People with high cholesterol or a history of heart problems, concerned over how to pay for their prescription medication now have a resource to help them: Free Medicine Foundation. Although free medicine assistance has been around for more than 50 years, most people have never heard about and do not know how to apply for free medicine. Free Medicine Foundation’s mission is to inform the media and the public of assistance that may be available to thousands of Americans who don’t even realize they qualify for such help.

People with bad cholesterol, or LDL, know that can be inherited from their family members with a history of heart problems or can be a result of their body chemistry. It can also be the result of a diet high in saturated fats, lack of exercise or diabetes. Changing one’s diet and losing weight help in reducing high cholesterol levels, but many people also need to take medicine to keep their bad cholesterol levels down. That’s where Free Medicine Foundation can help.

Many lipid-lowering treatments are available for free or low-cost. The following medicines may be available through a free or low-cost plan located through Free Medicine Foundation: Lipitor, Zocor, Vytorin, Lescol, Altocor, Mevacor, Simvastatin, Aspirin and Pravastatin, Atorvastatin, Atromid-S, Clofibrate, Ezetimibe, Fluvastatin, Gemfibrozil, Lescol XL, Lopid, Lopid Tablets, Lovastatin, Pravigard Pac, Zetia and hundreds more. Patients can apply for as many medicines as they need; there is no limit. Keep in mind that prescription assistance is available for most all medications.

Free Medicine Foundation works tirelessly to match patients with hundreds of free or low-cost available programs by scouring available medicine assistance plans to find plans that match applicant needs. “Since our inception, we have helped countless families across the nation completely eliminate or substantially reduce their prescription drug bills,” says Cindy Randolph, spokesperson for the Free Medicine Foundation organization. “Although we cannot guarantee your approval, if you believe you may qualify to participate, we will be diligent in our efforts to assist you. Past results have proven our program successful.”

This program is for those who are falling through the cracks financially, and make just enough money so they don’t qualify for Medicaid, but not enough to afford a prescription coverage plan or to buy their own medications. Keep in mind these programs are not just for poor people. For people who find it a hardship to buy their medicines, should apply for prescription assistance.

Drug sponsors recognize that sometimes exceptions need to be made based on a patient’s individual circumstances. Individuals who do not meet these criteria may still qualify if both they and their physicians attest that the patients have special circumstances of financial and medical hardship, and their incomes are below an established limit. With each medication, the income criteria varies from below the poverty level up to $ 39,200 for individuals, $ 52,800 for couples, and as high as $ 80,000 for a family of four.

Upon approval, brand-name free medicines typically arrive in two to three weeks, sent directly to the patient’s home, or a coupon is given to take to a local pharmacy or sent to the doctor’s office, typically in a 90-day supply. These programs can provide an ongoing lifetime supply of free medication. If the patient is not approved, and receives no medicine assistance, Free Medicine Foundation refunds the full processing fee per no risk money back guarantee. The patient has everything to gain and nothing to lose.

3.4 million seniors will enter the uninsured “donut hole” and start paying the next $ 2,850 out of their own pockets. Free Medicine Foundation can help cut this cost up to 90%. Pet medicines are also available through low-cost assistance programs.

Caregivers, churches and social organizations are encouraged to utilize Free Medicine Foundation’s services. Volunteers are needed to help spread the word to those who cannot afford the high costs of prescription medication. Send Free Medicine Foundation an e-mail or call 1-573-996-3333 to request a free supply of brochure-enrollment forms that are designed to provide the patient/applicant with information and an application for the program. Patients can apply directly online or print the application in English or Spanish. Free Medicine Foundation requires a one-time refundable $ 5 processing fee for each medication requested.

For patients who require ongoing cholesterol lipid-lowering treatments, Free Medicine Foundation can be a lifesaver. To learn more, apply or request a free brochure visit: http://www.FreeMedicine.com or call 1-573-996-3333.

Media Contact:

Cindy Randolph

1-573-996-3333

http://www.FreeMedicine.com

###









Attachments
































Vocus©Copyright 1997-

, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.