Therapist Unlimited Blog

If they can avoid it, women should refrain from using high-heels shoes since it could lead to pain in the later part of their lives.
The researchers found that the types of shoes women wear, specifically high-heels, pumps and sandals, may cause future hind-foot (heel and ankle) pain. Nearly 64 percent of women who reported hind-foot pain regularly wore these types of shoes at some point in their life.
We found an increased risk of hind-foot pain among women who wore shoes, such as high-heels or pumps, that lack support and sound structure," says lead author Alyssa B. Dufour, a graduate student in the Institute’s Musculoskeletal Research Program.
Published in the October issue of the journal Arthritis Care & Research, the study is one of the first to examine the association between shoe wear beyond just high-heel use and foot pain. The researchers, who analyzed foot-examination data from more than 3,300 men and women in The Framingham Study, say past shoe wear among women is a key factor for hind-foot pain. They found no significant link between foot pain and the types of shoes men wear.

 

 

High-heels shoes could result in pain in later life for women.
 

While foot pain is a common complaint in the U.S. adult population foot and toe symptoms are among the top 20 reasons for physician visits
among those 65 to 74 years of age relatively little is known about the causes of foot pain in older adults. Women are more likely than men to have foot pain; however, it is not known if this is due to a higher prevalence of foot deformities, underlying disease, shoe wear, or other lifestyle choices.
From a list of 11 shoe types, study participants were asked about the one style of shoe they currently wear on a regular basis, what they regularly wore during five age periods in the past, and if they experience pain, aching or stiffness in either foot on most days.
Nearly 30 percent of women and 20 percent of men reported generalized foot pain, which is in line with other foot-pain studies.
Ms. Dufour’s team, however, found a significant association in women who reported hind-foot pain and past shoe wear that included high-heels and pumps.
The shoe types were classified as "poor" (high-heels, pumps, sandals and slippers), "average" (hard- or rubber-soled shoes and work boots), and "good" (athletic and casual sneakers). More than 60 percent of women reported wearing "poor" shoes in the past, compared to only 2 percent of men (13 percent of women said they currently wear "poor" shoes).
When we walk, a significant biomechanical shock is delivered to the foot each time our heel strikes the ground. "Good" shoes, such as sneakers and other athletic footwear, often have soles and other features that soften this shock and protect the foot. The heel and ankle take the brunt of this shock, which may be why women who wear high-heeled shoes often report pain in this part of the foot.
"Young women," says Ms. Dufour, "should make careful choices regarding their shoe types in order to potentially avoid hind-foot pain later in life."

 

According to a latest research it was discovered that pain in elderly with dementia are often undetected.
The researchers discovered that the elderly who suffer from dementia aren’t able to say when something hurts or is sore.
They may demonstrate their pain through behaviours like rocking or striking out, and we often dismiss these actions as symptoms of the dementia instead of pain, which is usually from a different problem.
The researchers revealed arthritis, diabetic neuropathy, fractures, muscular contractures, bruises, abdominal pain and mouth ulcers are among the list of common ailments that go undetected.

 

 

 

The family of elderly suffering from dementia need to be vigilant since studies show the pain suffered by these people often goes undetected.

 

 

The research team explained it is important for those who live or work with persons with dementia to know how to identify when an elderly person is experiencing pain and receive treatment sooner rather than later.
The University of Alberta’s Cary Brown, PhD, has a new tool to help.
She has developed an on-line workshop and toolkit for caregivers, health-care providers, family members and friends of people with dementia.
The researcher from the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine created an evidence-based website with a narrated presentation on pain and dementia, a downloadable resource pack for family members, a downloadable pain log and a facilitator’s toolkit with background material, a planning guide, promotional material and supplemental information for organizations who wish to put on a workshop.

 

 

 

According to a recent medical study music might also help premature infants learn to suckle better and reduce their pain.
Dr. Manoj Kumar, an assistant clinical professor in the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry’s
Department of Pediatrics said if confirmed, this would be a simple, low-cost way to help these tiny babies feed on their own faster and move them out of neonatal units sooner.
Kumar said if you can get them to feed earlier then you can save health-care resources.
Kumar added music also appears to reduce infants’ pain during circumcision and some medical procedures.
He explained music is increasingly being played in neonatal units on an informal basis because parents and caregivers have a perception that it’s beneficial for the infants.
Kumar, a clinical epidemiologist who also has training in health economics and several of his colleagues associated with the Alberta Research Centre for Child Health Evidence (ARCHE) in the Pediatrics Department decided to conduct a rigorous, systematic review of medical literature to see what research has shown.
Of 180 studies the U of A team examined, nine randomly controlled trials published between 1989 and 2006 met the review criteria and were included.

 

 

Those who have premature babies try to play music to improve their feeding and reduce pain at the same time.

 

These nine studies were all so different that the review team says it was not possible to reach any definitive conclusion.
But the team did find much "preliminary evidence that music may have beneficial effects in terms of physiological parameters, behavioural states and pain reduction during painful medical procedures."
"Music may also improve oral feeding among premature infants," the U of A researchers say.
In particular, Kumar notes one 2003 U.S. study reported that feeding rates increased significantly with use of a pacifier-activated lullaby (PAL) system in preterm infants who previously were having difficulty in making the transition to oral feeding. This result warrants further investigation, given its potential implications for health-care budgets, he says.
The PAL system consisted of a soother connected to a pressure transducer which was further connected to a tape recorder.
When the baby sucked on the soother, the pressure activated recorded lullabies.
Another high-quality pilot study, conducted in the U.S. in 2001, looked at whether music could help with pain control during circumcision. It found that playing recorded lullabies and nursery rhymes lowered pain levels as measured by the babies’ heart rate and oxygen saturation, and according to established pain scales that measure infants’ behavioural responses.
Moreover, the researchers said the link between late motherhood and longevity could be something that is not inherited. It could be good nutrition or good living, suggesting that if you are a healthier mom you live longer.
With these findings, women who gave birth late are very happy since they will more opportunities to be with their baby despite their old age.

 

According to a recent study, those people who are depressed have higher tendencies of suffering from chronic pain.
Based on the study conducted by the Wayne State University they found out that the incidence of chronic pain, defined as pain persisting for six months, was 22 percent.
The researchers revealed approximately 35 percent of those with chronic pain had depression, but mood problems were not associated with a particular pain condition or pain site.
The researchers gathered their data on 1,100 Michican residents who volunteered to take part of the study.
The team studied several demographic factors and found that older age was generally related to chronic pain but with comorbid depression.
They noted that depression tends to decrease with age while pain tends to increase.
Evaluating the data they gathered, the researchers concluded that in middle-age women chronic pain might not be the cause of depression but pre-existing mood problems could be associated with development of chronic pain. They further concluded that depression could increase vulnerability to experiencing persistent pain.

 

 

People should avoid depression since such a condition could lead to chronic pain.

 

Moreover, the researchers believe the study also showed that African Americans were more likely to have chronic pain with depression than Caucasians.
The group revealed further analysis showed that racial differences were not attributable to possible socioeconomic factors but might be associated with differences in the use of pain coping strategies.
They believe though income was not a significant risk factor for the study, the authors indicated that occupational factors, such as physically demanding work and poor or no health insurance coverage, may account for the link between lower socioeconomic status and pain, and that financial strain and stress are closely linked with depression.
From the data they discovered, the authors recommend that clinicians screen pain patients for depression and pay close attention to middle-age women and African Americans for whom risk for comorbid depression is the highest.

 

Breaking up with someone you, love is one of the hardest tasks you will face in life.

After engaging in a relationship then suddenly, you will tell your mate you are now breaking up with him or her, what a painful thing it would be.
However, if you are serious in breaking up with someone you really need to face this situation in whatever way you want it.
To all those on the verge of dumping someone they love here are tips to help you deal with the situation as softly as possible to reduce the pain involved.
 

 

 

 

One of the hardest things in life is breaking up with someone that you love.
 

 

 

A. Face to face honesty

 

One of the best ways to end up a romantic relationship is to a personally talk with your mate and discuss your intention.
This approached is good since it shows respect, honesty, and understanding and provides opportunity for the two of you to end up as friends.
Although this approached is laudable it had some risk involved like physical assaults and the big possibility that your mate will do everything possible to make you change your mind.

 

 

B. Telephone blues

 

Another way to broke up with your partner is the use of a telephone or cellular phone.
The good thing about this method is your protection from physical assault and the less guilty feeling you will experience since you will not see his or her face.
This technique is appropriate for those who have lesser heart and not comfortable in face-to-face confrontation.
One of the downside of this method is the most likely chance of engaging in a heated word war with your mate over the phone.

C. Snail mail
 

 

If you do not want to see your mate face to face and hear, his or her voice when you relay your sad decision to dump them one of the easiest way out is the use of snail mail.
Express everything you want to say to your partner in a letter and have it mailed in the nearest post office.
This method might sound fine at first glass but like the first two method it has also some risk involved.
One of the most visible risk on this method is the chance it can shown to other people and could even be used as evidence against you.
Unlike the other, two these methods needs some time before you can relay your sad message as the person involved needs to receive it first.

 

 

D. E-mail
 

 

If you wish a quick and heartless method to relay your sad message of separation, use the electronic mail technique.
Your partner will receive the message in an instant if he or she had a computer unit at hand by virtue of our modern technology today.
However if you use the method you risk getting into an email dialogue about the whole dumping thing.

 

E. Third party
 

 

You can also use your best message to deliver your doom message to your partner.
This technique is so effortless that all you need is to relax and wait for your messenger to deliver the sad news.
This method might be effortless but this is also very risky especially if you will be branded as coward the rest of your life.
Another risk is the chance that your messenger could take advantage of the sad situation of your former lover.

 

 

F. Treat her like a rug
 

 

Another interesting method to relay that you want to end a relationship is to totally ignore your mate.
If you use this method, make sure you have the courage to withstand the temptation and tendency to talk to your former partner.
However if you use this idea there is a big tendency you will be branded as coward and the sadness felt by your mate if being ignored could last for a long time.

 

 

G. Going out with someone else
 

 

If you have enough courage you can show that you do not like her anymore in the boldest way by showing in front of her or him that you are already loved someone else.
You are sending a clear and strong message to your mate that you do not like him or her anymore.
However if you do the technique there is a strong chances you will lose your credibility and the possibility that your former girlfriend or wife will take revenged on you.
 

What are synthetic opioids and how are they used?
Synthetic opioids are drugs that are manufactured for medical purposes. They include the drugs methadone and buprenorphine. Although they are manufactured for medical use, and it is possible to obtain the drugs methadone and buprenorphine legally on prescription from a medical practitioner, over the years these drugs have been open to abuse.

They are often used as substitutes for heroin as part of a drug rehabilitation program, and they usually come in liquid form that is taken orally. However they are also available in table form, and they can be injected. Buprenorphine, or Subutex is taken by dissolving it in the mouth.

What are the effects of the synthetic opioids methadone and buprenorphine?
The effects of the drugs methadone and buprenorphine can last for several hours. Synthetic opioids are sedatives that will depress the nervous system. The drugs will also reduce pain, of both physical and psychological nature. People using this drug will often have feelings of relaxed detachment and warmth.

A drug testing kit is available to use to test for synthetic opioids. It is wise to use a drug testing kit if you feel that someone is abusing this drug, as the effects of drug abuse can be harmful.

The harmful effects of abusing methadone and buprenorphine are that the user can soon become addicted to the substance. If it is being used as a substitute for heroin addiction under medical supervision then the person needs to be checked regularly.

These drugs can often induce vomiting, and it has been known for people to choke on their vomit. An overdose of these drugs can lead to a coma, or the person may stop breathing and die.

Urine drug testing kits are available to test for synthetic opioids drug abuse.

What are propoxyphene’s and how are they used?
Propoxyphene is a synthetic opiate and come into the group of drugs known as narcotic pain relievers. These are drugs that although can be used legally for the treatment of pain, they are also highly addictive.

The brand names for the most common propoxyphene drugs are darvon and darvocet. These drugs are available legally on prescription from medical practitioners and are used to treat patients who suffer from prolonged mild to moderate pain. They are often prescribed to people who suffer repeated migraine attacks. Because of their highly addictive nature, they are only available on prescription.

They are usually supplied in capsule form and are taken orally.

However, when they are being used in drug abuse cases, the capsules may be opened and the powder is often snorted (or tablets are crushed to a powder and snorted). The powder is sometimes mixed with water and injected into the drug abuser.

The effects of propoxyphene drugs.
The have a sedative effect and can be similar to the effects of methadone. The person taking the drug will not feel pain to any great degree due to the pain relieving properties of the drug. It can give the user feelings of relaxation and general well-being.

It is possible to carry out a drug test for propoxyphene drugs such as darvon and darvocet by using a drug testing kit.

Propoxyphene drugs such as darvon and darvocet can produce unpleasant and harmful side effects. These include slowing the heartbeat, causing breathing to become shallow and inducing feelings of nausea or actual vomiting. People have been reported to have choked on their vomit and died in some cases. These drugs can also cause hallucinations and blurred vision.

If you know of someone who is displaying these symptoms you should get them medical help immediately.

Propoxyphene drugs such as darvon and darvocet are particularly dangerous as they are prescription drugs, and therefore often thought of as safe. A person may legitimately have a prescription for these drugs without realizing how easily they may become addicted to them. The withdrawal symptoms are unpleasant, and patients should not suddenly stop taking the drug. Withdrawal should be undertaken with medical supervision.

Drug testing kits are useful for those taking long term pain relief, who may be concerned as to what their medication contains. Drug testing for propoxyphene drugs is both easy and reliable. Drug testing kits are available for purchase.

What is PCP and how is it used?

PCP is the abbreviation for the drug known as phencyclidine. Another more common street name for this drug is ‘angel dust.’ PCP was developed during the 1950’s as an anesthetic that could be used in the treatment of mild to moderate pain and also to treat aching limbs. Production of PCP stopped during the 1960’s when patients were beginning to show significant unwelcome side effects from taking the drug. PCP began hitting the streets as a drug that was open to abuse around 1967. It is usually taken by smoking it, often mixing it with herbs such as mint or parsley. It is also sometimes smoked by mixing it with tobacco and marijuana. The effects of the drug PCP. The drug PCP has been known to reduce the feeling of pain. It can also cause feelings of being ‘out of it’ and confusion. Drug testing for PCP is easy and reliable. Urine drug testing kits are available that are easy to use. Drug testing for PCP is important because of the side effects of this drug. These include the person abusing PCP becoming confused and agitated, and often depressed as the drug depresses their brain. PCP increases the abusers heart rate and raises blood pressure. Chronic abuse of the drug PC has led to kidney damage, muscle damage and even brain damage. Another harmful effect of the drug PCP is that the person will feel no or reduced pain. This can often lead to abusers seriously injuring themselves. Some drug abusers have been reported as becoming agitated and violent and getting into fights. Because they do not feel pain, they will fight for longer which may result in serious injuries for themselves and others. Drug testing kits for PCP and other drugs are easily available and give reliable results.

 

 

$100 billion are spent for medical expenses, lost wages and lost productivity, according to National Institutes of Health, and it’s all because of pain. This proves that things are not what they seem, where certain individuals look perfectly healthy, but suffer from such a pain inside. To add insult to the injury, they are sometimes labels as “addicts” by some people and even physicians because there are some addictive drugs are used to tolerate pain.

Glenda Dysktra, the assistant manager of PainAid, had several experiences about it. Starting as a volunteer for American Pain Foundation, she endured painful instances where she could no longer move, leaving her unproductive. And Dystktra is not alone. In fact, there are 76 million of Americans suffer from various kinds of pain and diseases, according to the said foundation.

Dykstra, together with Susan Sanford of Urbandale – a person who had similar experience with Dykstra led a program to trigger the consciousness of the residents of Iowa about pain management. These two friends were assigned by American Pain Foundation’s Advocacy Workshop.

“It’s an invisible disability,” Sanford said about chronic pain. “It’s a hidden epidemic. We’re hoping to bring about more awareness of what a huge issue this is,” Sanford contends.

 To read the entire article, go to:

http://desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071114/INDIANOLA01/711140417/-1/SPORTS09

Okay. You are depressed. You are willing to take prozac if your doctor prescribes it and you determined to undergo a psychotherapy for the betterment of your well-being. You have your wallet ready for spending some bucks and arrange your schedule for your sessions. But wait, those are not the kind of preparations that you should really do…. because there are more important things that you should prepare….

 

 

1. Opening yourself up. Once you decide that you will undergo such therapy, you should consider that you are going to open up to someone you don’t know. Your shrink, despite his/her profession, is still a stranger, and if you have “trust issues,” you better let go of them, for it will be pointless if you are not letting out all of your burden.

2. Getting back to those moments. Once you and your psychologist starts to talk about your life, you are going to look back some of the painful days that you once had – even the most devastating ones. There can be tears and anger, but you need to release it too by telling your shrink everything about it.

3. Cooperation. Your shrink might give you a series of tasks that you need to do. When this takes place, you have to follow his/her instructions and cooperate.

Once the essence of these things have sunk in, it means that you really are ready for psychotherapy. However, bear in mind that it may take time for recovery and healing process. And when this is all done, you’d be someone you never thought you’d be.