Article 1: Overview of Asthma

Asthma is a disease of the lungs that is that is characterized by tightening of the air pathways. Common
symptoms of asthma are wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, chest pain, tightness or pressure.
Many of these conditions are reversible with medication but not 100% reversible in all patients. Some
common features of asthma are inflammation, airway obstruction and airway sensitivity. Some risk factors
for asthma are a family history of asthma, regular lung infections, presence of allergies, exposure to
tobacco smoke, low birth weight, and being male.

The current rise in asthma cases among children is alarming. Asthma may occur at any age but is very
common in children. Approximately 10% of children have asthma and that rate may rise in the future.
Experts don't agree why the rate is increasing but here are some ideas:

- Children are being exposed to more triggers (things that bring on asthma attacks; dust, tobacco smoke,
pollution)
- Children don't have strong immune systems (they aren't exposed to many childhood diseases.)
- Decreases in the rates of breast feeding may also play a role.

Asthma is a disease that causes many problems for the patient. However, it can be controlled. With the
right information and medical attention medical professionals can prevent many deaths.

Article 2: Information for the Patient

Asthma is a disease of the lungs that causes wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and difficulty breathing.
It can be very scary for the patient. Luckily, asthma and its effects are reversible with medication. There
are a few options for asthma treatment:

- Breathing machines (or nebulizers) are machines that turn liquid medication into mist. A mask is used
and treatment takes about 10-15 minutes and is given several times per day.
- Inhalers are common for older patients and medication is breathed in using a spacer.
- Syrups and other oral medications are available, but aren't useful for asthma attacks because their
effects take time.

Asthma attacks are the periods when symptoms suddenly become worse. Some common triggers for
these attacks are exercise, infections, dust, tobacco smoke, allergens, cold air and nervousness. Limiting
exposure to these triggers may help improve quality of life. When an asthma attack occurs, take your
medication according to your asthma action plan, wait 10 to 15 minutes if symptoms worsen or don't
improve immediate medical attention may be necessary. Some danger signs are severe wheezing or
coughing, trouble walking, and blue lips or fingernails. If any of these danger signs occur go to the
emergency room or call 911.

Asthma is a lifelong disease. Some people have fewer attacks as they grow older, but most patients see a
return of symptoms in their 30s and 40s. The effects of asthma attacks on the lungs can cause serious
problems later in life. Proper management of asthma is very important.
Article 1: Overview of Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune disease. It is thought to be caused by an environmental trigger

(possibly a virus or toxin but doctors aren't sure.) This trigger causes the immune system to attack beta
cells in the pancreas. Beta cells produce insulin, and after the immune system damages enough beta
cells, the body cannot produce sufficient insulin supplies.

Type 1 diabetes can present at any age but usually presents before the age of 20 and the symptoms are
subtle. Some of the more common symptoms are frequent urination, unexplainable weight loss, hunger
after meals, fatigue, blurred vision and dehydration complications. Filtering of glucose by the kidneys
results in large amounts of water loss causing dehydration. Dehydration associated with hyperglycemia
(high blood sugar) causes increased thirst and dry mouth, as well as increased skin, urinary tract, and
vaginal infections.

Diagnosis is usually made by detection of abnormalities in blood glucose levels and by glucose or ketone
bodies in the urine. Because of the high risks associated with hyperglycemia and the difficulties associated
with therapy, it is suggested patients visit a diabetes counselor for regular monitoring, counseling and
follow-up.

Article 2: Type 1 Diabetes Information for the Patient

Type 1 diabetes is a disease that destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. It is an autoimmune
disease, which means the body's immune system is attacking itself. By attacking the insulin-producing
cells, these cells are damaged and cannot produce enough insulin to supply the body.

In the body, insulin helps move sugar and other nutrients from the bloodstream into the cells of the body.
Cells use sugar as energy for all of their functions. When the body destroys the beta cells nutrients,
especially sugar, are not transported into the cells. The cells of the body starve and the blood sugar level
rises. High blood sugar can cause dehydration, weight loss, and irreversible damage to small blood
vessels in the kidney, eyes and heart.

When blood sugar is not controlled, patients are in danger of developing several serious diseases and
complications.

- retinopathy - a disease that affects the eyes and vision

- kidney damage - which could lead to kidney failure and heart disease
- circulatory problems - possibly leading to nerve damage, infection, and amputation

Quality of life can be maintained by keeping blood sugar levels in target ranges. Management requires
exercise, meal planning, and insulin therapy (insulin injections.) Careful monitoring of blood sugar levels,
both fasting and after meals, is important. There are diabetes counselors who can help patients take
control of their disease. These services are often covered by most insurance plans and can be a great
benefit to patients.
Article 1: Overview of Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is the most common of the two forms of diabetes, affecting 90% or greater of the people
with diabetes. In type 2 diabetes, the pancreas produces insulin but the cells of the body become resistant
or the amount of insulin produced is not enough. Glucose builds up in the blood stream (hyperglycemia,)
and the cells of the body are unable to function properly.

Type 2 diabetes can affect anyone at any age but is more common in overweight populations, people with
a family history of type 2 diabetes, the elderly, and people with metabolic syndrome (problems with
hypertension and cholesterol issues.) The origin is still unknown but it is probably a combination of factors.

Many life-threatening problems can occur with uncontrolled blood glucose levels. The three most notable
are retinopathy, kidney damage, and circulatory problems.

Retinopathy is caused by damage to the small blood vessels of the retina. These blood vessels begin to
leak fluid into the retina which leads to blurred vision.

Kidney damage is cause by destruction of the small vessels in the nephrons allowing protein to flow into
the urine. As this neuropathy continues, the function of the kidney declines and leads to kidney failure and
end-stage kidney disease.

Circulatory problems and nerve damage are cause by a hardening of the arteries. This causes loss of
sensation, risk of ulcers, infection and can lead to amputation.

Type 2 Diabetes: Information for the Patient

Type 2 diabetes is caused by a lack of insulin or the body doesn't recognize the insulin, called insulin-
resistance. Insulin moves nutrients into the cells of the body. When insulin resistance occurs, the cells of
the body starve and many problems occur. The initial damage to the body can go unnoticed but the
damage is severe. Uncontrolled blood sugar can lead to kidney failure, heart disease and even
amputation.

Some common symptoms of uncontrolled blood sugar are frequent urination, increased thirst, dry mouth,
vision problems, fatigue, and numbness in the hands and feet, among others.

Treatment of type 2 diabetes is usually managed with oral medication. There are medications that help
increase insulin production and medications that increase the cells' sensitivity to insulin. Combination
therapy may also be required. If oral therapy fails, insulin replacement therapy may be necessary. This
uses insulin injections. Constant monitoring of blood sugar levels several times per day is very important.
This can be done with blood sugar monitors.

Exercise, weight loss and diet management can be very effective means of managing type 2 diabetes
initially. Obesity (the condition of being overweight) is a major factor in causing type 2 diabetes. In type 2
diabetes, exercise and weight loss can make dramatic changes for the better.

The damages and problems in the body caused by diabetes can often go unnoticed until they are serious.
Proper management of blood sugar levels isn't easy, but aggressive therapy and control can greatly
improve quality of life and lengthen life expectancy.
Article 1: Overview of Arthritis

Arthritis is a general term that refers to over a hundred different types of joint inflammation. This joint
inflammation causes swelling, pain and stiffness. If the disease lasts long or occurs repeatedly, it can lead
to tissue damage. The typical signs of arthritis are swelling of the joint that is warm to the touch, pain,
tenderness, stiffness, redness and loss of function. Arthritis is not always limited to the joints of the body
and can affect soft tissues and internal organs.

In the joint, inflammation causes damage to the cartilage and synovial lining. When the cartilage is warn
down, the space in the joint becomes smaller and the bones may rub together. Damage to the synovial
lining cause synovial fluid to leak and produce fluid in the joint lining. This adds to the swelling along with
the inflammatory response of the body. If the joint lining continues to grow, it can permanently damage the
bone. All of this causes pain, swelling and distress for the patient.

The three most common types of arthritis are:

1. Osteoarthritis. This is the most prevalent. In osteoarthritis, the cartilage of the bone slowly
wears away with age and the bones rub together.
2. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA.) In rheumatoid arthritis, the body�fs immune system begins to
attack the joints of the body causing the joint lining to swell.
3. Gout. Gout is a condition where the body cannot effectively remove uric acid and the uric
acid crystallizes in the joints like needles. These crystals cause swelling and severe pain.

Article 2: Arthritis Information for the Patient

Arthritis is caused by inflammation inside the joints of the body. Arthritis is very common and affects
almost a third of the American population. There are many types of arthritis and in general the causes are
still unknown. However, there are some risk factors for arthritis. These may include age, gender, lifestyle
factors, and being overweight. With age, the cartilage in the joints wears down causing the most common
type of arthritis, osteoarthritis. Arthritis also occurs more often in women than men. Work conditions that
require heavy lifting and being overweight cause heavy stress on the joints of the body.

Some common symptoms of arthritis are redness, joint pain, swelling, warmth around the joint, and
stiffness. To diagnose arthritis a variety of blood tests and x-rays may be necessary. There are more than
100 different types of arthritis and treatment may vary depending on the type of arthritis the patient has.

Treatment for arthritis generally involves pain management, exercise and relaxation. The goals of
arthritis treatment are to avoid pain and further destruction of the joint. One way is to avoid activities that
cause pain. When the joint becomes painful, pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medication should be
taken to relieve the pain and swelling. A physical therapist can advise exercise routines that help maintain
joint mobility. Lastly, the patient should use braces, splints and supporters to help support the joints
especially during strenuous activities. Surgery to correct the joint damage may also be an option.

Treatment will vary with the type of arthritis and the patient. Factors to take under consideration are age,
current medications, overall health and medical history.
Article 1: The Nurse

Nurses are healthcare professionals with a very wide range of duties, responsibilities, and specialties.
Nurses are responsible for the treatment, care and safety of patients. They are also responsible for
maintenance of health and education for the patient. Nurses provide direct care and monitor symptoms,
response, and progress in patient care.

Three main types of nurses are LPNs, RNs and APNs.

An LPN (licensed practical nurse) usually has less than 2 years of training. They perform simple and some
complex medical procedures. They work under other health care professionals to provide patient care.

An RN (registered nurse) has a university degree in nursing and often is responsible for supervising the
tasks of LPNs. RNs provide direct care, patient education and make decisions about proper patient care.

An APN (advanced practice nurse) has a masters or doctoral degree. They provide direct care, diagnose
disease, prescribe medication, work in research and educate patients and other healthcare professionals.
There are many specialties for APNs.

Nurses play a very important part of direct patient care and maintaining health in the community. The art of
nursing makes dramatic differences in patient outcomes and disease treatment.
 Article 1: The Pharmacist

Pharmacists are healthcare professionals that deal primarily with dispensing medications and managing
patient medication regimens. The pharmacist has many responsibilities. The pharmacist fills prescriptions
from doctors. The pharmacist also counsels the patient about medication, side effects, and how to use the
medication correctly. Another responsibility of the pharmacist is to manage and monitor patient medication
profiles. Pharmacists must check for drug interactions, proper prescribing and drug safety. The pharmacist
works closely with patients, physicians, and other healthcare professionals to provide medication to the
patient.

Roles of the pharmacist:

 Reviewing and monitoring patient medication regimens

 General health advice
 Counseling patients about disease states and medication
 Dispensing medication by prescription
 Counseling patients about the best use of medication

Pharmacists work in a variety of places with many different specialties. Pharmacists are often the first
person patients ask for medical advice. With their position in the community and because they are very
accessible, pharmacists play a major role in patient care.

Pharmacist work in: Pharmacist specialties include:

 community pharmacies  community pharmacists
 hospitals  hospital pharmacists
 clinics  nuclear pharmacists
 pharmaceutical companies  clinical research pharmacists
 government offices  consultant pharmacist
Article 1: Physical Therapy

The physical therapy department is much broader than just rehabilitation. Physical therapy treatment is
provided under the care of a physical therapist, also known as a physiotherapist. The physical therapist is
responsible for diagnosis, assessment and treatment of disease or disability. The conditions physical
therapists manage are musculoskeletal, cardio-pulmonary, integumentary and neurological conditions.
Rehabilitation spans all four of these categories. Treatment may involve patient education,
physiotherapeutic techniques, and assisting devices.

 Musculoskeletal physiotherapy uses a variety of techniques to treat heart and lung diseases such
as asthma, cystic fibrosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD.)
 Integumentary physiotherapy deals primarily with treatment of the skin. This may include care of
wounds, bandages, and scar reduction
 Neurological physiotherapy use exercise to help improve motor function.

Outside of the hospital, physical therapists work in home daycare centers, schools, clinics, nursing care
centers, rehabilitation centers and for athletic clubs.
Article 1: Radiology

Radiology is a medical specialty that uses images to diagnose disease. In the hospital the radiology
department is often one of the first places physicians turn to for diagnosis. Physicians that specialize in
radiology are called radiologists. Radiology is divided up into several fields.

 Diagnostic radiology uses imaging to diagnose disease.

 Interventional radiology uses imaging to guide procedures.
 Radiation therapy uses radiation to treat diseases.

The radiology department provides many services in the hospital. Some include the following:

 X-rays, which are used to evaluate bony structures and soft tissue.
 CT scans, which use x-rays and computers to make 3-D images of soft tissues.
 Ultrasounds, which are used to see soft tissue structures in real time, without dangerous
radiation.
 MRI scans, which give the best images of soft tissue structures, but patients must stay still for
very long periods.