Tag Archives: South Carolina

Gabapentin for Alcohol dependence

October 23, 2014

 

Gabapentin: New Hope for Alcohol Dependence

GabapentinIn the past treating alcohol and drug addicts has never been easy. Alcohol and other drugs dependence is a vice that has not only affected adversely the lives of the addicts and their dependants but also the community as well. In most cases we think that drug and alcohol dependence only affects the addicts, hell no we are wrong. The cost of these drugs and alcohol might be cheap since alcohol is readily available and can be bought at different quantities and prices. The reality is that the cost of alcohol dependence is too high to the society than it really is to the addicts themselves. Alcoholism has rendered many people jobless since their employers could not put up with their addiction. In this case the addict will not have means to get his daily quantities of alcohol to get high but the craving will be at its peak, the addict will therefore have to find other ways of getting money to buy alcohol even if it means breaking some laws. Being dependent on alcohol has made many people criminals and that is a cost that the society has to pay but unfortunately it is a cost hidden to many people.

The cost of alcohol dependence does not end there. Think of the government sponsored researches that have to be done to find ways of helping the addicts to overcome their nightmare. The cost of putting up rehab centers to cater for alcohol addicts who have become pests to their families, the very people they have a responsibility to provide for. In the past many researches have been done to find out the best medicine that could be of help to those dependent on alcohol. Alcohol dependence has affected the economy of most continents but according to a recent research finding there is a ray of hope to treatment of alcohol dependence.

A recent study that was done at San Diego by Researchers at The Scripps Research Institute declared new hope in the treatment of alcoholism in November 2013, following the results of a new study to treat the disease with a drug that is already on the market. The presence of the drug in the market is already a breakthrough as no more will be spent to establish the medicinal ability of this drug to treat alcoholics and set them free from the chains of alcohol dependence. Unlike in most cases where after a research finding the search for drugs sets in , this finding has an already available drug and that is an advantage to the would be users.

According to the research finding; Gabapentin which is already being used as a prescription drug for people suffering from epilepsy as well as for patients with some pain, including migraines is equally good for fighting alcohol dependence. This new study found the drug appears to be safe and effective in the treatment of alcohol dependence. This research finding has brought some new hope in the field of alcohol addiction treatment and recovery.

More effective in treating alcohol dependence

“Gabapentin’s effect on drinking outcomes is at least as large or greater than those of existing FDA-approved treatments,” said Barbara J. Mason in a news release from the Scripps Research Institute. Mason is the co-director of the Pearson Center for Alcoholism and Addiction Research, who led the new research. If what Mason said is to be believed then people will begin using Gabapentin in place of the drugs that have been approved by FDA already.

“Plus, it’s the only medication shown to improve sleep and mood in people who are quitting or reducing their drinking, and it’s already widely used in primary care—that’s an appealing combination,” Mason said in the release.

It is a known fact that there has never been a cure for alcoholism, but the doctors have always availed drugs to treat the symptoms that are associated with alcohol withdrawal. Some of the prescription drugs that have been used in treating symptoms related to alcoholism include naltrexone, which the National Institutes of Health describes as a prescription to prevent relapse. Alcoholism can also be treated with 12-step programs and psychotherapy. For the 12-step programs and psychotherapy you will need to find a rehab that will best individualize your treatment to help you out.

According to the TRSI researchers , this drug has more benefits as it helps with cravings, depression and sleeplessness often experienced by alcoholics, other drugs that are already approved by FDA for alcoholism are not as effective as gabapentin.

In three months of treatment, TRSI researchers also said the high-dose group refrained from heavy drinking twice as often as the placebo group, and entirely abstained four times as often as the placebo group. They reported the drug also reduced the number of drinks consumed, and said none of the patients reported serious side effects.

“I think that we can now have confidence in the pharmacological effect of this drug,” Mason said in the news release.

gabapentinAlcoholism affects millions of people. In America alone, More than eight million are thought to suffer from alcoholism. The NIH estimates more than 700,000 of them seek treatment every day and with this discovery they might as well be helped.

The new study was described as a “150-patient randomized, placebo-controlled, double blind clinical trial” in the news release. With many researchers still trying the best drug to treat alcohol dependence we should be ready for some new stuff but as for now gabapentin may just be the best for you.

We at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center are committed to helping all addicts overcome the vice by availing critical information and treatment. Dr. Dalal Akoury (MD) of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is experienced in integrative medicine for addiction. Visit her at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina for help.

Gabapentin: New Hope for Alcohol Dependence

 

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How does a ketogenic diet work?

October 22, 2014

Choosing The Right Type Of Diet For Cancer (Ketogenic Diet)

What is ketogenic diet?

A ketogenic diet is a special form of diet in which a particular balance between proteins, carbohydrates and vitamins is used to help an individual achieve specific health objectives. In the case of cancer, such a diet is used to help a patient retain the body in a state that is appropriate to minimize the impact of the disease and enhance the overall outcome of treatment.

The uniqueness of the diet is that it is designed in such a manner that an individual consumes a high amount of required fats, an adequate amount of proteins and a low amount of carbohydrates. When such an approach is used in a person’s diet, the overall way in which the body makes energy is changed completely. Focus now shifts from breaking down carbohydrates to fats. The process by which fats are broken down to produce energy leads to the formation of ketones.  These are important compounds in the body of an individual.

How does a ketogenic diet work?

The process by which a ketogenic diet works in the human body is best understood when one considers what happens to carbohydrates that we eat as part of our diet. Basically, our bodies have been conditioned to derive their energy by breaking down carbohydrates into glucose. This conditioning has been a result of our eating habits where carbohydrates form the largest part of our meals.

However, there is an alternative way by which our bodies can get the energy required to power our daily activities: breaking down of fats that are stored in them. This is what happens when one goes without food for some time, the body automatically resorts to the stored fats for its own energy supply.

Therefore, when we change our eating habits by drastically cutting down on the amount of carbohydrates, we change the way the body gets its energy. When this type of diet is used, the body begins to break down fats into ketones in the process of getting energy.

The presence of ketones in the body offers a number of advantages.  For example, ketones have been associated with good management of the weight of one’s body. This implies that using a ketogenic diet can help one to manage the body weight. Besides, ketones have been associated with enhancing the ability of the body to combat different forms of chronic diseases, cancer being one of them. Therefore, a ketogenic diet can be useful in helping one to overcome the effect of chronic diseases.

How to choose the right ketogenic diet for cancer

There are several things that one should consider when choosing the right ketogenic diet for cancer. This is so because although ketogenic diet has been known to help the body to fight different types of chronic diseases, when it comes to cancer, there are special things that should be taken into consideration.

First, the basic principle of using a ketogenic diet to help the process of treatment against cancer arises from the fact that cancer cells largely depend on glucose for their survival. Right from the process of angiogenesis to metastasis, cancer cells require a heavy supply of glucose. Therefore, by reducing the amount of glucose in the body, this diet directly inhibits the growth of cancer cells while ensuring that normal body cells have an alternative source of energy.

Second, with regard to cancer, choosing a ketogenic diet takes into consideration the level of ketones and sugar that are required by the body. This is so because the body needs a particular amount of the nutrients so as the overall aim of the diet of killing cancer cells while nourishing normal body cells is achieved.

Third, choosing the right ketogenic diet to help one overcome the effects of cancer requires a careful selection of the kinds of foods that shall be used. This is so because some foods are not recommended for use by a person who is using this form of diet. Therefore, one has to select only the types of foods that are required for a cancer patient. This can be easily done with the help of a physician.

Choosing The Right Type Of Diet For Cancer

What are the benefits of a ketogenic diet?

There are several benefits that one gets by choosing the right type of ketogenic diet. First of all, a ketogenic diet has a direct effect on cancer cells. This is so because when one takes the diet, the amount of sugar in the body is greatly reduced. Yet cancer cells thrive on body sugars. Therefore, by inducing a state of ketosis in the body, one is able to inhibit the growth and development of cancer cells within it.

The second benefit that one gets from a ketogenic diet is that it helps the body eliminate cholesterol successfully. Cholesterol may cause a number of health complications when it is left to accumulate in the body. However, when one uses a ketogenic diet, a special form of lipoproteins that carries cholesterol to the liver for excretion is produced. The ability of the body to excrete excess cholesterol and other unwanted compounds is beneficial to an individual since it reduces the overall level of toxicity.

AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Centre is a leading destination for cancer treatment and management. Dr. Dalal Akoury is highly experienced in helping cancer patients choose the right kind of ketogenic diet for their overall wellbeing. You can visit us in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina for professional help on how you can develop a ketogenic diet that is appropriate for your condition.

Choosing The Right Type Of Diet For Cancer (Ketogenic Diet)

 

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Triggers and Addiction Recovery

October 22, 2014

Tips for Managing Triggers during Addiction Recovery

TriggerOvercoming addiction is one of the resolutions that addicts have every New Year but then fail to accomplish and live by. Not once I have heard of political fanatics speak of their favorite candidates and the things they will when their preferred candidates win. One of the major promises that most people make is to stop using drugs of abuse and stay free from these drugs but that just remains there or at least they try but they fail again and again. Overcoming addiction has since remained to be one of the hardest goals to achieve especially if you think of going through it all alone without seeking professional advice. In reality it is close to impossible overcoming an addiction without seeking professional help. However getting professional help does not mean that somebody else is now doing it in your place, no. you are the person that has the sole responsibility of overcoming addiction and without your commitment all the resources; time and money spent in taking you through the addiction recovery program will be a waste. But still with your commitment it is good to note that most people fail to go through the addiction recovery to its end because of the triggers that they may encounter in their environment and that is why most doctors will prefer an addict be attended to in a rehab where such triggers are not present. In some cases a person who has gone through the drug addiction recovery successfully may be overwhelmed by the triggers in his environments until he gives in and go back right into the mess. Therefore it is really important to know situations where you might encounter triggers and avoid them but if you can’t avoid them then you should learn how to cope with them.

What are Triggers?

In layman terms, when we talk of triggers in relation to addiction recovery, we refer to those factors in your environment that may lure you back to your past habit of using drugs of abuse. The triggers may include spots in your environment which brings you memories of your drug abuse habit. It may be an event especially where you will meet people who you used to share drugs with but are still using them.

This therefore means that even after completing treatment for alcohol and other addictive substances is not yet a won fight. There is still much to fight with while you are out of the rehab and it will take much more than mere commitment to abstain from alcohol and the drugs. You will encounter cravings for your drug of choice, and for any escape, an opportunity to numb out, and perhaps, sometimes, an overall desire to not feel what you are feeling. The bigger question is what will you do when you encounter these triggers that maybe in the form of events and people?

Here are some of the few tips that could save you from falling for your drugs of choice when cravings persist.

Know your triggers– just like people begin using drugs for different reasons, addicts have different triggers. Your trigger may be as a result of an unhealthy conversation that you got into with a person and has left you depressed. Another person’s trigger maybe his past photos while another person’s trigger maybe to see someone drunk.

Prepare yourself psychologically to counter your triggers– it would be a fallacy to assume that your triggers will just disappear in thin air. Instead prepare yourself to deal with your triggers. Appreciate that triggers are part and parcel of addiction recovery and equip yourself to deal with it.

Put in practice how you would overcome before it comes– try to lay strategies to deal with the triggers you have identified before you encounter them. You may role play with yourself in trying to find the most effective strategies to help you overcome.

Adopt a healthy lifestyle– eat well and have a good sleep. Without good sleep and good nutrition you r body will be deprived of rest and vital nutritional components making it hard for you to overcome the triggers. You should also avoid being lonely as loneliness may make you slip into your past habit in search of company. The major problem is in the H.A.L.T meaning hungry, angry, lonely and tired. By eating well and having good sleep you will be free from hunger and tiredness. As for lonely and anger you need help of family and friends to help you cope.

TriggersDo not test yourself– this is even well written in the bible (don’t ask about the verse) who is unto him who sees temptation ahead but continues to commit it. If you know your triggers do not try to test yourself. If you know your triggers are your past photos holding a bottle of beer, burning the photos will be worth it. If you know passing by a certain bar will trigger you then avoid that route. This way you will be able to avoid the temptation and keep yourself far from drugs of abuse.

These are some of the tips that you could employ to help deal with triggers. Like I said triggers are part of addiction recovery and it is therefore necessary that you prepare yourself psychological, practice how you would overcome your triggers of course after knowing them and adopt a healthy lifestyle that will enable you to overcome your triggers during addiction recovery. Dr. Dalal Akoury (MD) of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is dedicated in helping all addicts. Visit her at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina for help.

Tips for Managing Triggers during Addiction Recovery

 

 

 

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Holidays Weight Loss is Possible this Year!

November 4, 2013
Holidays Weight Loss

Dr. Dalal Akoury

Healthy Happy Holidays Weight Loss Myrtle

Beach, South Carolina

Eating healthy over the holidays will help you enjoy them and not feel guilty because you’ve overindulged in those high fat, high sugar deserts. Holidays Weight Loss Myrtle Beach, South Carolina advises to skip those high calorie foods and increase your intake of fruits, vegetables, no-fat dairy, and whole grains. To keep weight off, you have to use more calories than you take in. If you are eating all those holiday deserts, than you are increasing your calorie intake.

Buy healthy foods. Don’t go to the grocery store when you are hungry or you will want to buy everything you see. Go to the store after you have eaten so you can take your time and have more self control when you are making your purchases. Avoid those processed and pre-packaged foods. They are loaded in preservatives so they will last. Do not buy junk foods. Potato chips, French fries and sugary sodas just add calories and will surely add on weight. Also those high sugar foods; the pastries, donuts, pies will quickly add weight. Cut back on all those high calorie foods and increase your intake of fruits and vegetables. The more fruits and vegetables you eat that less you will eat of those high sugar foods, because you will feel full and more satisfied. This will be an effective way to manage your body weight as you sample some of those deserts.

Healthy Happy Holidays Weight Loss Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Healthy Happy Holidays

Eating refined carbohydrates, such as white bread and pasta and simple carbohydrates and high sugar foods will cause a dramatic increase in blood sugar for energy. Not only does this make your body overwork get excess insulin into your blood to bring your sugar levels down, the excess sugar from these foods will be stored as fat. Whole grains, fruits and vegetables have healthy carbohydrates that do not cause a dramatic increase in blood sugar and distributes an even amount of energy that lasts longer. Also, eat more lean protein foods and you will feel full and satisfied and this will help reduce eating the simple carbohydrates says Dr. Dalal Akoury regarding Holidays Weight Loss Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

It’s the holidays, so relax and enjoy spending time with family and friends. You will have many opportunities to eat as you visit with them, so pace yourself. As your sitting in front of the TV or at the kitchen table, eat small portions. Remind yourself to get up and walk around. Take a brief walk or walk for 30 minutes if you can. Get away from the food for a while. Being around food continuously will cause you to over eat.

Eat a healthy high-protein breakfast to control your eating motivation. In Holidays Weight Loss Myrtle Beach, South Carolina it will reduce your brain’s hunger signals so you won’t want to eat more. Taking in more calories at the beginning of the day, will allow more time to burn off those calories throughout the rest of the day. This can help keep your weight off. Reduce eating those late night meals and snacks.
It takes about 20 minutes to your body to feel full naturally when you eat, so take your time. If you eat your food fast, you will eat more and this could cause you to overeat. So, slow down, taste your food and appreciate each bite. Eating slowly will cut back on your food intake and you don’t have to finish everything on your plate. Store the leftovers and save them for later.

Healthy Happy Holidays Weight Loss Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Healthy Happy Holidays Weight Loss Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Anytime is a good time to manage your weight. You do not have to wait until after the holidays to continue losing weight or start losing weight. You will be more apt to overindulge because you not watching what you eat. You can lose weight simply by eating more fruits and vegetables. They are filled with water and fiber and will make you fill full and satisfied so you don’t overeat and decreases your hunger. High calorie-dense food, such as cheese, ice creams, cakes and pies, just make you feel full temporarily and then you will want to eat again soon.

You can lose weight either by reducing your energy intake by eating fewer calories or increase energy output through exercise. So don’t take in excess calories if you don’t have the time or ability to exercise to account for those excess calories. Losing weight is difficult, so therefore obesity is rising because of our diet. Adopt a healthy lifestyle and maintain a healthy weight so you won’t have to lose the weight later. Eat breakfast, eat a low-calorie diet, be consistent, don’t overindulge, weight yourself daily and don’t forget to exercise. The longer you keep off weight, the longer it will stay off!

Take regular walks or do other forms of exercise that you enjoy. Keep yourself busy to help will keep your mind off of food. Exercising doesn’t have to be hard, just keep moving. You will burn calories as you do and won’t be putting them on. More exercising will also help you sleep better. So relax and enjoy exercising and of course take time to meditate. Holidays Weight Loss Myrtle Beach, South Carolina asks you will relax your mind as well.

Healthy Happy Holidays Weight Loss Myrtle

Beach, South Carolina

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Influenza, Conquer naturally, Dr. Akoury

October 19, 2013

  Conquering the Influenza

 AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center – Influenza Season is Serious Business – Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Conquering the Flu

Conquering the Flu

Influenza season is serious, particularly this year as the H1N1 (“swine”)

Influenza reached pandemic status throughout the world as of July, according to the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO).

An average of 36,000 people die every year from seasonal flu, and 200,000 are hospitalized with serious complications. The H1N1 virus seems to impact a greater diversity of ages and has been of particular concern among pregnant women. Though not considered a high-risk group, H1N1 seems to prefer the under-25 generation. The CDC believes the elder generation may have developed a persistent immunity years ago to a similar viral strain, which still protects them and has rendered much of that age group immune to the current infection.

Like many viral infections, influenza is spread by touch, so easily and quickly runs through a population – be that a household or a schoolroom, a town or a cruise ship. A person is contagious from the day they become infected, before they are even sick, and up to a week or more afterward. Symptoms of this year’s H1N1 virus are similar to those of past years, and include fever and chills, cough, sore throat, runny/stuffy nose, head and body aches, chills, and fatigue. Many have also reported diarrhea and vomiting. For most people, H1N1 causes mild symptoms, and they recover in a few days, though respiratory symptoms tend to linger. For some, however, significant illness – requiring hospitalization – and even death has occurred. It is definitely best to avoid becoming infected.

Dr. Dalal Akoury the Founder of  AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center  explains–  The InfluenzaVirus Remains Active –

Did you know that the Influenza virus can remain alive and active for up to eight hours on a doorknob or tabletop? Did you also know that the most natural cleaners (soap, hydrogen peroxide) are equally effective as the more toxic commercial cleaners? Do yourself a favor and use the mildest method possible – your immune system will thank you in the long run – and use it often on bedside tables, lamps, doorknobs, and bathroom areas. Wash dishes and linins daily while people in your home are ill as well.

As with other infections, many of the best ways to avoid getting sick are the easiest to do, and most are common sense. These include:

  • Cover nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze – and then throw the tissue away immediately.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth, as these areas are most susceptible to germs.
  • Wash your hands often, especially after you cough/sneeze, touch someone (e.g., handshakes, hugs, etc), or visit public areas. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if washing is not available (rub until hands are dry).
    • Remember, effective hand washing requires soap, the friction of vigorously rubbing hands together for 20 seconds (that’s singing Happy Birthday twice), and running water to rinse it all away. Wash both sides of hands, between fingers, and up past the wrist.
  • Stay away from close contact with people who are sick. If you are sick, wait until your fever has been gone for 24 hours (without fever-reducing medication) before you go out or are around others.
  • Follow the advice of public health workers regarding school closures, and avoiding crowds as much as possible.

Dr. Dalal Akoury the Founder of  AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center  recommends – Know Your Risk Potential to get the Flu – 

The groups generally considered high-risk during Influenza season are the very young, very old, and those whose immune systems aren’t

Conquering the Flu

Conquering the Flu

working properly. As mentioned, this year’s H1N1 seems to be affecting those between 5 and 25 and pregnant women, and SC is just now seeing rising cases of Influenza. Though usually a mild illness, there are warning signs that indicate a need for immediate medical attention. In children, very fast or difficult breathing, a bluish or gray cast to the skin, and not waking up or interacting with others are trouble signs, as are a general refusal to drink fluids, or being uncharacteristically irritable. If adults begin to suffer difficulty in breathing, shortness of breath, pain or pressure in chest or abdomen, dizziness, or confusion, they should seek immediate medical attention. Severe or persistent vomiting or symptoms that are gone only to come back worse than they were before are indications that medical care is needed no matter the age.

It is also important to be prepared in case you do get sick, when you will have to stay home for a week or so. Stock up on tissues, food, and liquids like tea and Emergen-C. If you need medical attention, be sure to tell the office that you have the Influenza, so you can be brought in the back door and avoid infecting others.

Dr. Dalal Akoury the Founder of  AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center  stresses that you should Enhance Your Immune System overcome the Influenza

Remember, an influenza infection typically lasts 5 to 7 days. The treatment at AWAREmed can substantially decrease this time, and make sufferers feel better as they recover. Among the modalities used at AWAREmed are those specifically targeted toward enhancing the immune system, and when the immune system is functioning at an optimal level, it is easier for the body to either fight off an infection altogether, or to get it under control more quickly. Argentyn 23TM is one such agent, one that uses modern scientific methods to deliver silver hydrosols in a sub-nanometer size. Homeopathy may also be used, which works much like a vaccine in a “like cures like” sort of way, as well as hydrotherapy, which calms the spirit as it enhances the immune system. IV nutrition can be an amazing treatment, whether to deliver much needed fluids or to administer disease-busting nutrients and the antioxidants to clean up the mess left behind. AWAREmed’s new  state of the art IV Meditation room offers a soothing atmosphere where patients can relax, be nurtured, and receive the treatments designed especially for the Influenza

 AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center -Influenza Season Is Upon Us – Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

 Influenza SEASON SPECIAL: Natural Influenza Season Combating for only $150/visit

Tuesdays and Thursdays through November

 Conquering the Influenza

 

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