PharmaPassport Health Tips Blog

May 12, 2009

Doctor of Chris Benoit Receives 10 Years in Prison for Illegally Prescribing Drugs

Filed under: Uncategorized — John @ 5:51 pm

Dr. Phil Astin, 54, wrestler Chris Benoit’s personal doctor, was sentenced to 10 years in prison after he illegally prescribed drugs to many of his patients.

A police investigation concluded that, Benoit had strangled both his wife and son, and then hanged himself. Although police were unable to say if the steroids Astin had given Benoit were the main cause behind Benoit’s actions, many speculate that they had changed Benoit mentally.

After pleading guilty to a 175-count indictment that accused him of writing illegal prescriptions to known drug abusers, he went on to say that, “I take full responsibility,” then continued on to say, “I am sorry I hurt so many lives. I was thinking that I was looking after my patients.”

There were 19 patients that were included in the indictment however, prosecutors claim that there were many more, but the chose to end investigations as soon as Astin had pleaded guilty. The investigation found that two additional people that were patients of Astin had both died from overdoses, though one of the patients had taken muscle relaxants as well.

Steroids are often taken by athletes and body builders, and have side effects in both male and females who take the substance. Steroids have been proven to affect the mind, making one delusional and more aggressive, which could explain Benoit’s actions.

Additionally, steroids also physically change people. Physical side effects include acne, shrunken testicles, decreased sperm count, gynecomastia, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, liver malfunction, enlarged prostate, balding and male characteristics in females.

These side effects can eventually result in things like HIV from sharing needles, liver failure, many heart complications, stunted growth in adolescents, and neurological issues (possible explanation to Benoit’s change in mental state).

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May 11, 2009

‘Silent’ Heart Attacks Occur More Often Than Originally Believed

Filed under: heart attack,heart attacks,silent heart attack,symptoms of heart attack,Uncategorized — John @ 3:31 pm

Heart attack- damage to an area of heart muscle that is deprived of oxygen, usually due to blockage of a diseased coronary artery, typically accompanied by chest pain radiating down one or both arms, the severity of the attack varying with the extent and location of the damage.

A heart attack is usually associated, as the definition explains, with chest pains that may potentially lead to death however, some heart attacks occur without being detected.

Close to 200,000 Americans are estimated to suffer from ‘silent’ heart attacks each year, that’s roughly 13% of all heart attacks diagnosed annually in the United States. These ‘silent’ heart attacks, or non-Q-wave unrecognized myocardial infarctions (UMIs), are often not found due to the fact that they do not cause pain, and do not leave any signs of heart attack that can be found using an electrocardiogram (EKG).

A new study led by Han Kim at Duke University, examined 185 people, suspected of coronary disease, without history of clinical myocardial infarction. The study found that 35% of the patients had evidence of heart attack and that non-Q-wave attacks were 3 times as likely as Q-wave UMI.

This new study has shown physicians that heart attacks are occurring much more frequently than ever thought before, but what are some ways you can help avoid a heart attack?

Ways to prevent Heart attack

- Follow a low-fat diet, rich in fruits and vegetables

- Lower your salt intake. That means pick the salad, not the French fries.

- Losing weight if you are overweight or obese. Between commercials try pumping out a few push ups, or sit ups.

- Stop smoking. Smoking has horrible effects to not only your heart, but most of your body in general, so it would be a good idea to kick the habit.

- Do physical activity to improve heart fitness. Instead of watching television, try going outside for a brisk walk or run. Yes, I know that many people have commitments, work, family, watching the NHL playoffs, but spending that little bit of time now may end up allowing for you to watch playoff games a few years from now. Ask your doctor how much and what kinds of physical activity are safe for you.

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May 4, 2009

What Does the Possibility of a Pandemic Mean for the U.S and the Rest of the World?

Filed under: flu,H1N1,pandemic,spanish influenza,swine flu,Uncategorized — John @ 5:34 pm

In 1918-1919, just at the end of the First World War, a new threat appeared, one that no one could have seen coming. The worst influenza pandemic of the 20th Century would emerge, killing and estimated 40-50 million people globally.

That was 90 years ago and yes I know what you’re thinking, “Medicine has improved since then,” and you are very right. However, that does not mean we can stop anything. There is no vaccine for H1N1 (Swine Flu) that will destroy the virus, which means if you catch it, its all up to your body to fight off the virus. However, there are some medicines that can help with H1N1. Flu medicines such as Tamiflu, help lower the severity of some of the symptoms and are shown to help fight off the flu.

Research suggests that were a pandemic to appear, a death toll of between 2-7.4 million people globally is highly probable. This number is based of models and the high amount of global traffic.

If the virus were to go undetected for a significant period of time it could spread to all corners of the Earth and pose a tremendous threat to the entire global community. This is why it is extremely important to do anything and everything to prevent transmission of the H1N1 virus that may develop into a full-scale pandemic. Tamiflu has been recommended to help battle H1N1, but there are other ways that you can help protect yourself and others.

- The most important thing everyone should be doing, everyday, is washing their hands. Wash them as many times as you think necessary, but make sure you are doing it properly. Wash them with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, and when drying your hands try to use paper towel to turn off the tap. This prevents germs and bacteria from getting back onto your hands.

- Get some exercise, enjoy the fresh air.

- Get lots and lots of sleep.

- Drink plenty of fluids and eat a healthy balanced diet.

Additionally, I would like to remind you to not panic. Yes, there are 279 cases in America and yes, it is important to prevent transmission, however, the cases in the United States do not appear to be as deadly as those found in Mexico. Therefore, it is crucial to remain calm and just try to stay healthy.

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