Obesity and the NHS, A Matter of Size

By: Kim Bishop

It is predicted that by the year 2050 half of the adult population of the United Kingdom and 700 million people on the planet could be obese. It is a horrifying statistic that has huge global implications for health, the availability of food and the usage of natural recourses. There are, however, huge practical implications for the obesity epidemic as well, and nowhere are these felt more than in the medical treatment of obese patients for weight loss.

The NHS is literally groaning under the weight of these patients in a number of ways. Firstly there are the obvious health implications of obesity; heart disease, high blood pressure, breathing problems and type 2 diabetes to name but a few. Secondly, however, there are the practical problems incurred by having to treat these patients, the need for larger ambulances, much stronger beds, chairs and operating tables as well as new surgical equipments to deal with the large amounts of fat tissue that these patients have.

25 per cent of British adults are clinically obese. Every year in this country there are thirteen million hospital admissions. Of those, thousands are now having to be dealt with in a specific manner and are requiring special equipment because of their size.
Obesity is now costing the NHS over £9 billion a year and this figure is raising at a steady rate as the number of obese patients rises with it.
The Department of Health does not break this figure down so it is not possible to know the exact amounts that are being spent on bespoke equipment though the Liberal Democrat health spokesman Norman Lamb MP has conducted a survey of 150 NHS trusts and has found that on average each trust spends about £60,000 on the treatment of obese patients and that they treat 371 obese patients per year.

The equipment demands for obese patients have included beds that can take a weight of up to 70 stone, wheelchairs that can take up to 60 stone, special extra strong lifting hoists and mattresses that operate like hovercrafts to move patients. It is extremely difficult to scan obese patients. Most are too big to fit into CT and MRI scanners where patients have become stuck. The layers of fat in these patients mean that it is much more difficult for Ultrasound and X-rays to pass through their bodies. As a consequence Philips has had to develop a new kind of scanner that is capable of passing through the fat though this of course comes at a price. This piece of equipment alone will set the hospital back £10,000. As obese patients are so problematic to examine, however, and abnormalities are much more difficult to locate the need for this particular scanner has become paramount.

Obese patients also need tailor-made surgical equipment capable of dealing with the layers of fat to lose weight: specialist scissors and ‘graspers’ that hold fat out of the way. Surgical equipment is extremely expensive with a single piece of equipment costing between £800 and £900 so the need to buy duplicates for larger patients places a big strain on the budgets of these trusts. University Hospital in London has recently purchased an operating table capable of carrying a 47 stone patient at a cost of more than £20,000.

The obesity problem is even affecting maternity wards. A recent study that was conducted in the North East of England found that many midwives and staff were extremely concerned about the lack of specialist equipment for obese mothers to be and the problems that this lack of this equipment was causing in the delivery room. There was a demand for much bigger beds for delivery in labour suites, larger blood-pressure cuffs and longer epidural needles.

The problem even extended beyond obese expectant mothers to their obese husbands. The obese men required sterile clothes in much larger sizes in order to accompany their wives into the labour suites, again at more expense to the NHS.
It seems then that the knock-on effects of obesity are far greater and more costly than had ever been predicted and with the NHS already under huge financial constraints this is a burden they could well do without.

Author Resource:->  The author is a Dietician by profession for which he has gathered good Information on weight loss pills, slimming pills, diet pills. For more details

Please visit www.theonlineclinic.co.uk

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5 Reasons to get Laser Eye Surgery

By: Kathryn Dawson

Although laser eye surgery sounds quite extreme, it is actually a straight forward and painless procedure that takes just a few minutes. Surgery is used to make incisions in the eye which enables doctors to take any necessary measures such as replacing the lens of the eye or relieving any pressure that has prevented the fluid to flow freely and caused glaucoma. There are a few different types of surgery that fall under the category of laser eye surgery, but each one provides an effective solution to various problems with the eye. Read on to discover why delaying laser eye treatments and surgeries is unnecessary laser eye surgery is the ideal solution to a range of eye problems.

Reason 1 - It works
The efficacy of laser eye surgery is without question extremely good. The surgery takes just a few minutes but the results are excellent and furthermore long lasting. Glaucoma is a common condition that can be treated effectively by a surgical procedure. When there is not enough space in the eye for fluid to flow freely, pressure can build up which leads to blurred vision and poor sight. This is called glaucoma. Although lost sight cannot be restored with surgery, the condition can be prevented from worsening. Cataracts are another common condition that can be effectively treated through surgery. The clouded lens of the eye can be replaced with an artificial lens that restores a person's sight.

Reason 2 - It is painless
There may be a very small amount of discomfort following the surgery, and it may feel uncomfortable for a little as the anesthetics begin to wear off, but otherwise there is no pain. The surgery sounds worse that it is and patients cannot feel anything whilst the procedure is being carried out. After surgery it is required that the eyes are rested which means no bright lights or television for a bit. Avoiding reading or placing any strain on the eyes is necessary for a day or two.

Reason 3 - It gets fast results
The results of a successful surgery are immediately obvious to the patient. The blurred vision disappears and the eyesight is improved instantly, especially with treatment of cataracts which replaces the cloudy lens with a new, artificial one. Although glaucoma can cause loss of some sight which cannot be replaced, the patient will see an improvement immediately in their sight and benefit from the knowledge that the cataract will not return over the coming years. Although a few hours of rest may be required following surgery and the patient may be sensitive to bright lights for a day or two, most see instant improvement to their sight following surgery.

Reason 4 - It can be repeated
It is often believed that it is better to wait for surgery as it can only be done once. This is incorrect however as the surgery can be repeated at a later date if problems reoccur. It is a mistake to delay surgery for this reason, especially when dealing with serious eye problems that could result in loss of sight that cannot be restored. The best advice is to talk to a professional as soon as possible if you feel laser eye surgery is for you.

Reason 5 - It removes the need for glasses
If you have been a glasses wearer for the majority of your life you will pleased to hear that laser eye surgery may enable them to be thrown away, perhaps for good. Once your sight has been restored your may find that there will be no more need for either contact lenses or glasses.

Laser eye surgery is a quick and painless procedure that can drastically improve a person's quality of life through better eyesight. Whether the problem is dry eye syndrome, cataracts the presence of a macular hole or glaucoma, laser eye treatment can help remove or improve the problem.

Author Resource:->  Kathryn Dawson writes articles for Immaculate about how laser eye surgery has helped improved the quality of life for hundreds of thousands of people around the world with age-related eye problems. Uncommon eye conditions such as dry eye syndrome can now be treated easily with artificial tears to alleviate the dry and scratchy feeling in the eyes. Retina and macular hole treatments are now highly advanced and widely available.

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A Study On Lupus Symptoms

By: JackJ Reynolds

Lupus is a disease that affects the nervous system of the body.As this is an autoimmune disease it causes harm to the living cells and tissues in the body.In this condition, there is production of antibodies against the healthy cells of the individual which in turn, damages the tissues leading to destruction and inflammation. The antibodies are mainly antinuclear antibodies.

There is no causal factors that have been identified for the lupus disease.There are evidences of hereditary presence as a causative factor. That means it has some hereditary causes. Also, it is observed that women are more prone to get lupus as compared to men.So this indicates that hormones can be a cause for it.It has been observed that even the racial aspect is important as seen in African Americans that are a lot susceptible to get it than others.Lupus disease has been widespread in the people belonging to ages 15-44 very often.

There are various kinds of lupus that can cause harm to numerous body parts.The one that is found very usually is the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.In this there is damage to the joints, skin, blood vessels etc.When a person is affected with this there are signs of swelling in the joints with a lot of pain, tiredness, high temperature and also a butterfly shaped rash around the nose known as malar rash.

One more type of lups affects due to the excessive usage of some of the drugs such as procainamide, quinidine and hydrala.These drugs are usually stipulated when one has hypertension, heart disease, thyroid problems etc.As soon as these drugs are stopped the indications disappear. Discoid Lupus is another type of this disease.In this one gets rashes in and around regions like ears, face, scalp etc.These causes marks in the region.Another type is Neonatal Lupus which affect the newborns.The newborn suffers from this disease for some months after birth from this disease.There is transmission of this disease from the mother to the baby in the womb.

It is not very easy to find the affliction of lupus as every person has different kinds of signs.There are certain test criteria developed by the Rheumatology College in United States that are used in proper diagnosis of the diseased condition.There are certain laboratory and clinical tests that are performed to diagnose it.The tests to identify lupus include rash formation, incidence of mouth sores, antinuclear tests and blood count tests etc.

The cure for lupus is specific to the person.The indication variant in each case gets treated diffrently.The persons having symptoms of fever associated with joint and chest pain are prescribed NSAIDS medicine.In situations of skin rash, swelling in the lungs, joint pains and exhaustion antimalarial medicine is suggested.At times even the immunosuppressive drugs are given.Some people are treated with DMARDS like methotrexate as well.

In order to keep the lupus at the least one is advised to take sufficient rest and bring down stress levels.It is best if the patient observes yoga and meditation as well.This enhances the recovery process and builds immunity.

Author Resource:->  Learn more about lupus symptoms and what exactly is lupus disease.

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What's An Asthma Doctor And His/Her Responsibilities?

By: Eddy Kong

Many people think that the doctor's income is a lot. General medical doctors which may seems that their income is a lot, but in actual fact their job is not easy; especially being an asthma doctor is a very challenging and sometimes an overwhelming job.

Asthma is a very delicate illness with fatal consequences should it not be treated immediately as an attack occurs.

They really have to take lots of precautions to prevent another attack from happening again.

Due to this reason many patients rush to the hospital in an emergency state and the asthma doctor has to react and administer the right medications as soon as possible failing which, the attack may turn fatal for the patient.

The stress and pressure are they facing everyday.

This is the stress and pressure an asthma doctor is faced with everyday. Of course the doctor is well trained and educated in the subject so their ability to react to the situation in the correct manner is virtually assured.

The other factor is time with asthma patients suffering an asthma attack; as medications need to be administered at the right time in the right quantity.

The asthma doctor and patient relationship.

Asthma treatment guidelines recommend a 'therapeutic relationship' to achieve the best results of treatments. It is observed that those who reach the emergency room with an asthma attack do not have a good relationship with his/her doctor.

This is a big cause such attacks can usually be controlled, if they are treated, or prevented on a continuous basis, which leads to an avoidance of these life threatening emergencies.

Those patients who have a regular doctor with whom they share a good relationship have a better control and overall understanding of their illness.

They are able to deal with emergencies and severe asthma attacks without panic, which, in and of itself, can turn a normal attack, into an severe emergency.

Choose your asthma doctor carefully.

Suffering and taking care of asthma is a full time occupation. Choose your asthma doctor carefully and build a relationship with him/her in order for you to be confident and at ease to discuss your illness. Patients who have a good partnership with their doctor have a better control and can lead a stress-free life knowing that they are in good hands.

Your asthma doctor is your friend and wants to see you healthy at all times. Remember that he/she is there to comfort and provide you guidance in your illness. Do not hold your asthma doctor responsible for your disease but work with him/her towards your recovery.

Full cooperation is needed.

Cooperate with your asthma doctor and you will see great results and an overall health improvement. Knowledge gives one confidence and strength to deal with any illness.

Asthma doctors have a tough job, make it easier for the both of you and improve your chances of being in control the next time your asthma attack occurs.

You cannot successfully control your asthma if you are not being accessed accurately, so if you are not happy with the attention you are receiving, change your doctor and find out who will give you the support and management plan you need.

Therefore, I strongly urged you to start your journey in asthma management, if you are serious of getting back your asthma free life again.

Author Resource:->  Eddy has a site which shares how he managed to discover a simple and yet hidden way on treating asthma. Get free reports and articles at his Asthma site.

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How To Be Your Doctor's Favorite Patient

By: Deborah L Boynton

First of all, let me explain something in case you don't already know. The more your doctor and his stke you, the better service you will receive. It's just a plain fact and human nature. Most doctors are swamped with patients and have to make choices when appointing patients to their schedule. So how do you get the only appointment left on next Tuesday, you day off?

Asking for an appointment: Make or break the relationship.
Depending upon how large the practice is, there is probably one person designated to make appointments and is most likely a woman or young adult. This position is one of the lowest paid in the practice, so keep that in mind when talking to them and boost their ego at every chance.

· Don't tell them you have to get in this week because you are going on a cruise or exotic trip next week and just have to be seen now. This will not induce sympathy with a person financially incapable of affording such luxury. Just say you're going out of town.

· Don't tell them it 'has to be next Tuesday between 2 and 4'. Ask nicely if 'that time' is available, but do not insist on it. If you consistently follow the suggestions laid out here, chances are the appointment coordinator will move patients around to accommodate your schedule just because you are the favorite. But it is not a good idea to demand a specific time unless they ask you first. In case you don't know, the appointment coordinator is taught to run the schedule, and to not let the patients do it for them.

· Keep in mind it is the appointment coordinator's job to FILL the schedule for the doctor. Most doctors want to see a full schedule for tomorrow when they leave for the day. "Emergency time" is seldom available, unless the practice has a consistent need for it. I know of no doctor that likes to sit around with no patients and therefore no income. Even the most caring of doctors still has their income in mind. After all, they have a staff and bills to pay.

· Which brings up the next point: do not ask the appointment coordinator for a discount or a payment plan. Trust me, they will not have the authority to grant one. In most practices, only the doctor can grant lower fees. Sometimes the office manager can suggest payment plans. However, keep in mind, you will never be the doctor's favorite patient if you consistently ask for lower fees or special treatment in the payment department. If you truly need help with financing, do it with the greatest tact.

· And please, please if you remember nothing else I've said here, remember that your insurance is a contract between you and your insurance company. Your doctor files your insurance for you as a courtesy. It is not a requirement. It is not their duty. It is not their fault if your insurance does not pay, (most times anyway.) You may be responsible for any balances left by your insurance. Just because your insurance does not pay all of your doctor's charges, does not mean your doctor charges too much. If there is a question about your insurance, offer to call the insurance company yourself. It is so time consuming for the office personnel to do this. Sometimes they will need to, but you'll gain points with them if you do it yourself.

· And please know your insurance information. If you are going to a medical doctor, have your medical card with you for them to copy. If you are going to a dental office, know the difference between your medical and dental insurance and have the proper card available. Most dental policies are separate from the medical policy. Some vision policies are separate, also. If you work for a large corporation or a large group, such as State or Federal employees, the office will probably know who is your insurance carrier, but have your card available for them for ID numbers, etc., from the card. If you do not know who handles your insurance, contact your Human Resources department for the information before your appointment. Or, if your doctor is referring you to a specialist, you can obtain your insurance information from your regular doctor to take to the specialist's office. They will love you for this.

· Which brings up the next point: reward any special favors. Bring goodies with you for the doctor and staff. I've had patients bring the doctor a bottle of wine and a box of cookies for the staff. Most people are watching their weight, so fresh fruit is nice, too. One patient brought fresh strawberries, another fresh peaches in season. Bake them a cake. Bring a potted plant. Trust me, they'll love you for it because it so rarely happens. If you do not have a chance to bring them anything, a written card to the doctor and staff with specific comments about how wonderful everyone was, is a great favorite, too. Praise the staff to the doctor if they do a good job and they'll be your friends forever.

· Do not wear strong perfume. I'm constantly amazed how often patients do this. Remember you are at a doctor's office. People there are sick, hurting, or have some kind of malady. A vast majority of people gets headache from smelling strong perfume. You are never going to be a favorite patient nor are you going to get the most compassionate service if all the staff can think about is getting your smelly self out of their office as soon as humanly possible. Do you want to be a rush job? What if your doctor is allergic to your perfume? Mine is! And so are members of our staff. It will be noted in your chart because a nurse or assistant that can tolerate your smelly self will be assigned to you while those you make sick will avoid you. The doctor may deliberately anger you just to get rid of you. You will not be treated well and may never know why because it is hard to tell a patient that they stink! Enough said.

· Do not cry. Yeah you're hurting, or deathly sick, but please try not to cry. Doctors and staff will feel helpless and sad for you, but they'll also be relieved when you leave. Raw emotion is hard for any human to deal with and doctors and staff are no different.

· Do not whine, or complain about another doctor you've already seen. It could be the doctor's best friend. Or a staff member's friend. If you've been 'doctor shopping' and have seen several doctors in a short period of time, don't tell the new doctor that you've seen '5 different doctors and can't find a good one'. You'll be pegged as a 'problem patient' in a heartbeat and won't be taken as seriously. Be professional when talking about other doctors, not complaining.

· Keep religion and politics out of your conversations in the doctor's office. Period. Unless you know the affiliation of your doctor and/or staff matches yours from something they've said. I've seen a Baptist patient bring our Catholic doctor literature that conflicted with his beliefs. It created an uncomfortable situation. And don't think just because you and everyone you know is fed up with your country's leaders, your doctor is also.

With a little forethought and tact and lots of kindness, you can be one of your doctor's favorite patients. Now, to find that perfect doctor....

Author Resource:->  Debbie Boynton has worked in dental field for eight years. Find more info at:

Toothache Help

©2006 Debbie L Boynton

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