How to Participate in Clinical Trials

Clinical trials are one way medical professionals test new drugs and treatments to determine which should be available to patients and which still need work. Some people like to participate in clinical trials because they feel that it’s a personal contribution to the field of medical research. Others do it because they have a certain illness or disease that isn’t positively reacting to their current medications or treatments, and they hope the study medications will help. Some people participate because it’s a paying market that also contributes to helping people. Whether you’re looking to make a personal contribution to medical research, want to find a medicine that helps you, or just need a little extra money, clinical trials could be a great way to impact your community and earn some extra cash.

Finding a Clinical Trials Institute

Medical trials take place in a facility where doctors and nurses trained in medical research monitor you during the study. For some studies you will be required to stay at the facility for the duration of the study. Most medical research facilities have websites where you can view the upcoming clinical trials and see the requirements for participating in a trial. For trials with a lack of participants, you may be able to find ads placed in newspapers advertising the clinical trial and providing information on how to participate.

If you locate a facility but they aren’t currently conducting any tests, you can be put on a contact list. You will specify exactly which sorts of studies you’re interested in, and probably fill out a questionnaire, and the facility will contact you when clinical trials are available. Many facilities are even putting volunteer databases directly on their website so you can sign up from home.

Participating in a Trial

Clinical trials often take place in stages or phases. The first phase is the part where the facility will monitor you and ensure that there won’t be complications with the rest of the trial. You may need to stay at the facility or visit a few times a week. The second phase may involve medications or treatments that you participate in and report your progress to the institute.

Upon completion of each phase you might be provided with compensation. Many times the compensation is monetary, but some institutes will consider any therapy or free medications as your compensation for some phases of the trial. Once you complete a study, you may be eligible to participate in more clinical trials. Make sure you speak with your primary physician if you have any concerns about participating in a certain study.

Learn more about signing up to be part of a potential clinical trial at http://www.drugtrial.co.uk.

Guest Post - Hip Transplant Recall Alarms Patients with Arthritic Conditions, m

DePuy Orthopedics announced a large scale recall of the DePuy ASR XL Acetabular System total hip replacement and the ASR Hip Resurfacing System for their high failure rates and increased side-effects which have left patients disabled.

One of the most common remedies for degenerative hip conditions, the hip transplant operation has been regarded as one of the most successful and life-changing surgeries developed for those who seek a dramatic shift in one’s mobility, function and health.

Since the first hip replacement surgery was performed in 1960, millions of patients have undergone the procedure to alleviate severe hip problems and to increase their mobility. Generally, patients who suffer from chronic conditions such as Osteoarthritis, Osteonecrosis, hip disorders or Rheumatoid arthritis have undergone hip replacement procedures after other holistic attempts have failed. It is important for patients to be aware of any recalls with popular systems that are used for hip transplant operations.

Indicated by research and test studies, the hip implants have higher failure rates than other models and have caused serious hip problems for many. Five years after receiving the DePuy implants, complications required 12 to 13 percent of patients to undergo a second hip replacement surgery, making the DePuy hip recall a needed consumer awareness situation.

The implants have been associated with a number of problems, including the loosening of the hip replacement within the body and "metallosis," a serious condition that can bring by rashes and nerve damage.

Some believe the DePuy ASR hip implant is too shallow to allow for proper implantation. Others point to the danger posed by metal debris released by the implants. In an editorial that ran in the June issue of The Journal of Arthroplasty, three leading physicians argued that metal hip implants "do not show any clinical advantage," but rather "are producing a new serious of complications."¹ Hip implants made of metal-on-metal components, like the recalled DePuy hip replacements, have only been introduced in recent years.

Although hip transplant surgeries have helped many individuals regain quality of life, it is important to research and discuss all possibilities with your physician. Prior to undergoing surgery, patients should identify the problem and attempt all holistic and alternative healing treatments before making a decision. In many cases, there may not be a need for surgery. These include:

• Heat rub treatment with compresses and in the bathtub
• Specific folding and leg stretches; Yoga sessions
• Eat a vegetarian diet that include fruits, vegetables, nuts, grains; avoid fats and processed foods
• All-natural pain relieving creams; Find sleeping and sitting positions that avoid pressure on the designated area of pain

Additional information about drug side effects and medical devices may be found on DrugWatch.com.

Aculife Resources

Aculife Ireland sells the Aculife Magnetic Wave Therapist in many countries. Check out some resources regarding this amazing machine. The owner of the company is a cancer survivor who has had his own life touched in a positive way by this machine.

Interesting / Helpful Links about the subject:

Aculife Blog
Aculife Blogspot
Ezine Articles about Electronic Acupuncture
HubPage about Magnetic Wave Therapy
Squidoo Lens about using the Aculife Magnetic Wave Therapist
Bukisa Electronic Acupuncture Article
Aculife Book. Learn how to get the most out of your machine.

Want more info or want to Buy Aculife Now?

Check out a video about Aculife's Magnetic Wave Therapist:

Acupoint Therapy Benefits For Helping Recovering Stroke Patients

Acupoint Therapy Benefits For Helping Recovering Stroke Patients
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=N._Strickland]N. Strickland

There have been a number of studies conducted in China and Japan which showed that stroke patients who undergo acupuncture treatments not long after having a stroke are more likely to recover more of their affected faculties than others without the treatment. While acupuncture is not as mainstream in some parts of the world like the U.S., it is slowly becoming an accepted form of treatment. After all, the Chinese have followed the practice for thousands of years with success.

There are even personal portable devices that deliver acupoint therapy, emitting electromagnetic impulses to acupuncture points in your hands, thereby bypassing the thin, fine needles of traditional acupuncture. Stroke patients can benefit from this type of therapy.

Problems with Stroke Patients

A stroke is sometimes referred to as an attack on the brain. A blood clot basically blocks an artery, interrupting blood flow to portions of the brain. A blood vessel could also break, causing the same problem. When a stroke occurs, brain cells can die, creating brain damage. Unfortunately, the body functions that lie in those dying area are also affected and may become lost permanently. Memory, speech and movement are most often affected.

Some people do recover fully in time after a stroke while others may experience muscle weakness or minor speech or memory problems. Larger strokes may cause more profound damage such as losing the ability to speak or paralysis on one side of the body. In time, physical therapy and medications can help recover some physical ability. However, by introducing Chinese medicine like acupuncture soon after the stroke, patients may be able to greatly improve their chances of recovery. If patients are sensitive or squeamish about needles, acupoint therapy using electromagnetic wave impulses can be equally effective.

How Acupoint Therapy Works on Stroke Patients

The hand has six meridian points or pathways in which the body's life energy flows. Within these meridians, there is an intricate system of connections called acupoints (acupuncture points) which tie into various body functions and organs. With stroke patients, it is hard to keep circulation open, especially when some nerve pathways have closed down. By stimulating certain acupoints using electromagnetic wave impulses, stroke patients can increase circulation to the extremities, boosting mobility and easing pain and numbness.

Basically, this electronic form of acupuncture can ramp up endorphins in the body responsible for easing pain and helping the body relax. The nervous system can be specifically targeted with acupoint therapy, keeping pathways of the nerves open and the nerves firing. The electromagnetic wave impulses released through electronic acupuncture devices can also open blood vessels, providing better blood flow which in turn decreases the chances of blood clots and a repeat stroke performance.

Acupoint therapy is an excellent way to improve the quality life in stroke patients. While not a cure all, it is definitely one of the best ways to augment any treatment protocols the doctor prescribes.

N Strickland is a former cancer patient who is thankfully now in remission. He has a keen interest in pain management, most particularly using alternative therapies. To get more information on hand acupoints and Electro-Acupuncture for recovering stroke patients, visit one of N. Strickland's sites. Visit the [http://www.aculife-ireland.com/blog]Aculife Blog or read the [http://aculifebook.com]Aculife book for more info.

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Pain Relief Without Drugs - Acupoint Therapy

Tips For Pain Relief Without Drugs
By N. Strickland

Acupoint / magnetic wave therapy and acupuncture are great ways to achieve relief from pain without the use of medication. If you suffer from chronic pain or even sporadic pain as a complication from other illness, you most likely desire immediate relief from the pain. Read on for tips for attaining natural pain relief.

Good Nutrition and Proper Exercise

The foundation for health and wellness includes a regular exercise regimen and a diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Without this foundation, the body doesn't function properly and illness, disease and other problems can arise. One of the best ways to be pain free and healthy is to treat your body well. Although eating right and exercising aren't the easiest to carry out, they are among the most important. Set aside time daily to get a little exercise in. And make small changes to your diet as necessary.

Pain Relief using Acupuncture

Acupuncture is another way to provide pain relief without using drugs. Acupuncture has been around for centuries, and it is known as a safe and effective way to treat illnesses and the resulting pain and symptoms. Acupuncture is done using tiny needles placed at specific points along the body's meridians. Acupuncture restores balance to the body and can resolve many ailments, providing pain relief as well. Acupuncture is done by a trained acupuncturist who knows exactly where to insert the needles for maximum pain relief.

Acupoint Therapy for Pain Relief

Acupuncture is not always a feasible option for some, either because of prohibitive costs, lack of time, or simply a fear of needles. Many who do not wish to try acupuncture would be pleased to know of an effective alternative: magnetic acupoint therapy. Acupoint therapy can be done using magnetic wave therapy to provide the same benefits that acupuncture provides, but it skips the needles entirely. It is also a technique that is simple enough that it can be done at home with very little instruction or training.

The magnetic wave therapy targets acupoints, points on the body that respond to pressure and provide instant relief from pain. The benefit of using acupoint therapy for pain relief is that it is easy, safe, and effective. It also provides a way to find relief from symptoms without the needles required with acupuncture.

For many people, chronic pain is a real problem and way of life. Multiple medications and doctor visits can be standard, but it doesn't have to be. Finding relief through natural methods can change your life. If you suffer from debilitating pain, you may want to explore your options with natural pain relief and give acupuncture or acupoint therapy a try.

Learn to target acupoints for pain relief at Aculife-Ireland. Check out the Aculife blog as well.

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HealthNiche, A Health Blog: Living With Pain? - You Don't Have To - Aculife Guest Post

HealthNiche, A Health Blog: Living With Pain? - You Don't Have To - Aculife Guest Post

Living With Pain? - You Don't Have To - Aculife Guest Post

Living With Pain? - You Don't Have To
By N. Strickland

Sometimes we accept pain as part of what life throws at us. We get so caught up in dealing with pain one day at a time that we often forget that there may be something we can actually do about it. So what are some of the non-traditional options? You need to think outside the box and try lots of things. There is no cure-all that works for everyone.

Traditional western medicine tends to focus on just a few of the options: medication; surgery; and physical therapy. However, there are lots of other options available if you simply have the faith to try them. Beware of medical practitioners that frown upon alternative therapies because they were not invented by conventional medical practitioners like themselves. After all, you should not care whether the treatment is traditional or alternative so long as it does the business for you.

I get extremely tired of listening to medical practitioners who do not accept that alternative therapies work, because they have no scientific proof of their efficacy. Tell this to the billion plus faithful people that believe in a higher being, although there is no scientific proof that He really exists. You must be pragmatic. If the pain treatment works for you, you should not really care if your local medical practitioner approves of it or not.

Traditional acupuncture has been around for more than 2,000 years. Successful treatments have been offered to patients for pain management long before western medicine, as we know it, existed. Electro-acupuncture is relatively new but it closely mirrors the treatment offered by traditional acupuncture. The real difference is that there are no needles involved and it can be self-administered on a daily basis at home. Thousands of people will vouch for its effectiveness.

Hypnosis has evolved to the point where major surgeries can be carried out using hypnosis to control bleeding and pain and where the patient not only feels nothing, there is minimal bleeding from open wounds. Milton Erickson, MD, who died in 1980, was a pioneer in this area and his use of trance and specific language cues resulted in tremendous success in pain management for his patients. It is well worth considering clinical hypnosis as a method to deal with your pain.

Reflexology has also been around for several thousand years. Modern day reflexology has its origins in Zone Therapy which was pioneered by Dr. William H. Fitzgerald. He divided the body into ten zones and demonstrated how pressure and stimulation of various points on the body could relieve pain affecting organs, body parts and glands within various zones. Zone Therapy was adopted by Eunice Ingham, a physiotherapist, in her treatment of patients in the 1930's. She concentrated on finding a single area of the body on which the rest of the body was mapped

out. She found that a therapeutic effect could be achieved by using pressure from her thumbs and fingers on specific tender spots which related to problems elsewhere in the body. The important point to bear in mind is that regardless of how and why it works, reflexology does work and regularly benefits thousands of people.

N Strickland is a former cancer patient who is thankfully now in remission. He has a keen interest in pain management, most particularly using alternative therapies. To get more information on hand acupoints and Electro-Acupuncture visit http://www.getaculifenow.com. Get a free full colour Hand Map when you visit our website.

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