1. Apps for Surgery: Dr. Edward Bender, a computer programmer and cardiothoracic surgeon at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau, has brought research for heart surgery to the Apple iPhone and iPad through apps that doctors and patients can use to predict the risks of heart surgery and to help students and residents prep for procedures. Bender developed the apps on his own and worked with ARMUS Corp., a Silicon Valley IT company on design and functionality. Prices for the apps at the iTunes App Store range from free to $3.99 each.
2. iPad and RemoteScan for Electronic Medical Records: RemoteScan Corporation, the worldwide developer of software solutions for converting document scanners and digital cameras into network devices to be used with electronic medical record and financial management systems, has released iRemoteScan™ for the iPad and iPhone. Since 2003, RemoteScan software has enabled users to share and connect desktop scanners with all centralized document management systems, including those used with medical software products running on networks using RDP or ICA network protocol.
3. Home Doctor Visits: At Kalkaringi, Australia, the home of the Land Rights movement, Aboriginal Health Workers such as Dee Hampton are using the iPad, connected by Next G to Katherine West’s database located in a secure datacentre in Sydney, in her daily rounds of her elderly or “health clinic shy” clients at their home or at the shop. By connecting to the KWHB health clinics database via the iPad, healthworkers have a reasonably unobtrusive information package equivalent to the old days of taking the patients paper files with them — but with far more accessible portability.
4. Patient Consultations: In Japan, doctors use the iPad to assist them with explanations during patient consultations. Prof. Hiroshi Mizushima, a medical informatics expert at Tokyo Medical and Dental University, said: “Surprisingly, compared with other professionals, medical practitioners lag in their use of IT tools. Having said that, we can now use these tools in various situations, such as having patients use a touchscreen panel [device] to answer questions about their health during consultations, and using moving images to explain illnesses to patients.”
5. A Hospital Saves Money: Cherokee Regional Medical Center in Iowa uses the latest technology. Inspired by the seemingly endless possibilities available at her fingertips, Jessica Mattioda, a nurse supervisor at CRMC, recently spearheaded a project to implement multifunctional Apple iPads and medical apps into the facility’s day to day nursing practices. Application updates have the potential to save CRMC money by having the ability to download updates when available in lieu of purchasing books which can be quite expensive and outdate quickly.
6. Doctor Goes Paperless: Dr. Jon Mendelsohn, medical director of Advanced Cosmetic Surgery & Laser Center, is using several iPads as a way to take his office paperless. Patient charts will be securely loaded onto his iPad, so that they are accessible anytime he visits with a patient, including nights and weekends. Patients will use iPads to fill out paperwork and staff will use them as teaching tools with patients to go over procedures and pre- and post-operative instructions. Mendelsohn said he loaded his library of publications onto the iPads as well, so that patients can learn more about facial surgeries while in the waiting room.
7. iPad for People with Disabilities: Fine motor skills are really not required for the iPad, making this device a natural for anyone with diminished fine motor skills and other disabilities. Dr. Weber writes about one man with Parkinson’s Disease who used his iPad with ease, compared to a regular computer with a keyboard and mouse. Previously critical of iPad, Dr. Weber has “softened up a bit” after watching his friend go through the motions, and is now starting to think of other areas and other applications for the iPad that would be helpful for people who find working with a traditional keyboard and mouse difficult.
8. Hospitals Create Apps for Patients: Samaritan Hospital and Albany Memorial Hospital, members of the Troy-based health care organization Northeast Health, are now offering iTriage to consumers who use smart phones or smarty devices such as the iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android devices and Palm, and will soon be offering it to Blackberry users. The application can be downloaded for free and provides access to information about Northeast Health hospitals, including specialty services offered, location maps and community services.
9. Hospitals and Patient Care: With its ten-hour battery life, Kaweah Delta hospital’s director of technical services, Nick Volosin thinks the iPad will replace the laptop for everyday office applications such as email, and also for checking X-ray images, EKG results, and patient monitoring programs. The hospital has been using the Citrix software on the iPhone for a while now, so integrating the iPad into the system is not expected to be a problem. And, despite the $500 per unit price on the device, the iPad is still affordable when compared to some specialized touchscreen tablets used by hospitals, which might cost $3,000 each.
10. Hospitals and Patient Education: The newly expanded Walt Disney Pavilion at Florida Hospital for Children in Orlando and St. Luke’s Health System in Boise, Idaho, last week began testing a customized version of an app called Medical Video jLog from Eagle, Idaho-based Unity Medical. Florida Hospital for Children will employ iPads as a way of explaining tests such as CT scans and MRIs to children with videos and interactive question-and-answer features. St. Luke’s has loaded its iPads with with about 20 educational videos on topics such as heart and vascular procedures and physical therapy.

1. Lower risk of cardiovascular disease: Apparently, if you own a cat, you are less likely to die of cardiovascular disease. Indeed, a study from the University of Minnesota found that those without cats were between 30 and 40 percent more likely to die of cardiovascular disease than cat owners. Does it work for owning dogs as well? According to the study, dog owners didn’t reap the same benefits as cat owners.
2. Reduce risk of heart attack: You can reduce the chances that you will end up with a heart attack when you own a cat. Not only will your entire cardiovascular system thank you, but you can reduce the chance that you die suddenly due to heart attack if you own a cat.
3. Improve your immune function: Owning a cat can help your immune function improve. The feelings you get related to the cat can help you give your immune system a boost. Cats often know when you are ill, and can come and provide you with comfort, helping you get better while boosting your immune system.
4. Decrease chance of developing allergies: If you are going to have a baby, you might consider getting a pet. Having a cat can help you prevent allergies in your children. There are some studies that newborns that live with animals, specifically cats and dogs, are more likely to avoid developing allergies. Being used to them from an early age triggers immunity.
5. Help prevent asthma in children: In addition to helping to prevent children from developing allergies, there is some evidence that living with a cat can also help prevent asthma in children. If you have kids, owning a cat and exposing your kids to cats might help them to avoid developing asthma. Early and regular contact with cats can help your children avoid a number of respiratory problems.
6. Reduce blood pressure: You can help reduce your blood pressure by enjoying the company of a cat. Indeed, having a cat can lead to lower blood pressure. Just stroking a cat is calming and lowers blood pressure. Those who own pets, according to a State University of New York at Buffalo study, are more likely to have lower blood pressure than those who do not have pets.
7. Lower triglycerides: You can lower your triglycerides by exercising and eating fewer carbohydrates (especially from processed foods). But that’s not the only thing you can do. Some studies indicate that if you have a cat, you can lower your triglycerides and boost your health by owning a cat. While you should probably still exercise and eat better, owning a cat can help the process along.
8. Lower cholesterol: Are you trying to lower your cholesterol? If so, consider getting a cat. Interestingly, cat owners have lower cholesterol than those who do not own cats. A 2006 study in Canada showed that owning a cat was actually more effective at lowering cholesterol than the medications designed to do that same thing. Indeed, you could save money on meds and improve your health, possibly, by becoming a cat owner.
9. Reduced risk of stroke: The prospect of having a stroke is scary. If you are concerned about having a stroke, you might consider cat ownership. Owning a cat can cut the risk of stroke. A study at Minnesota University found that cat owners could cut their risk of stroke by 1/3. The idea that you can help reduce the changes of getting a stroke, thanks to a cat, is one reason to consider cat ownership.
10. Reduce stress: Having a cat can help reduce the stress in your life. Having a cat has many psychological benefits, and one of those is relieving stress. Being able to care for an animal, or having a cat snuggle with you, can help you feel better, and reduce your level of stress.
11. Reduce anxiety: Not only can owning a cat help reduce the stress that you feel, it can also reduce your anxiety. Petting a cat is calming, as are other aspects of caring for cats. When you are concerned with caring for another creature, it can help you take your mind off your worries. Additionally, the presence of a cat that will snuggle with you can help you calm yourself as your enjoy the unconditional love of a cat.
12. Improve your mood: In many cases, interacting with a pet can help improve your mood. This includes cats. Owning a cat can help you feel better in general, boosting your mood. If you are looking to see mood improvement, a cat can help with that.
13. Help with depression: Owning a cat can also help relieve depression. While a cat may not actually “cure” depression, it can help take your mind off your problems, and focus on something else. The love a cat offers can also be soothing to the mind. If you are depressed, cat companionship can help you in your battle.
14. Help with autism: Autism is marked by difficulty in social interaction and communication. Those with autism have a hard time communicating in the same way that others do. Having a cat can actually help in these cases. There have been instances where cats have been instrumental in therapy for autistic children. Other developmental disorders can be helped with exposure to cats as well.
15. Reduced loneliness: Many who have feelings of loneliness can find relief with a pet. Cat companionship can help those who are lonely feel a connection with another life. Just having a cat to come home to and spend time with can help those who are single, or widowed.
16. Fewer health care visits: Those with cats make fewer visits to health care professionals. This includes visits to the doctor, and hospital visits. Studies have also shown that nursing homes that allow cats as part of the therapy for patients have lower medication costs than facilities that do not make use of cats as part of therapy.
17. Longer life: Along with being married and avoiding main roads, you can enjoy a longer life with a cat. Cats provide a number of benefits that can lead to a longer life, including a form of social interaction. So, if you want to be healthy and live a little bit longer, consider owning a cat.

Medical Science and Technology News and Information

Learn about the latest developments in science and technology — with a medical angle.

1. Health & Medicine News: This offering from ScienceDaily provides you with the latest updates from the world of health and medicine.
2. Health and Medical Research News: SciCentral offers insight into what is happening in scientific research aimed at health and medicine.
3. Med Tech: Tech News World runs this blog that offers a look at what is happening in medical technology.
4. Medical News Today: Get the latest headlines in medical technology and advancements.
5. Med Tech Sentinel: Looks at the headlines and updates from the news wires associated with medicine and technology.
6. MedTech-IQ: Get content and interact with this community for the latest in medical technology headlines.
7. MedTech1.com: Information and news related to medical technology and advancements in medical science.
8. medtech Pulse: Interesting headlines regarding medical technology and what is happening in medical science.
9. MTB Europe Medical Technology News: Find out what is happening in Europe when it comes to medical science and technology.
10. The Medical News: Interesting information, news and research from around the world, and in a variety of medical professions.

Imaging and Radiology

Learn about the different happenings in imaging and radiology, including x-rays.

11. Medical Imaging Talk: News and discussion about the different ways imaging helps medicine.
12. “Medical Imaging”: ScienceBlog has a category devoted to medical imaging, and it includes a number of interesting posts on the advances being made in imaging.
13. MITA: The Medical Imaging & Technology Alliance offers a look at some of the latest advancements in radiation therapy, diagnosis and more.
14. Imaging News: Get the latest from the worlds of CT, MRI and PET. An interesting look at all things imaging.
15. Musculoskeletal and Orthopedic MRI: Get an inside look at certain types of MRIs.
16. X Ray Technician Blog: Learn about the latest in x rays and developments, and get helpful information on jobs and training.
17. Not Totally Rad: A blog about all things medical imaging, and interesting insights on radiology.
18. Radiology 101: The basics about radiology, latest advancements and tips on better using medical technology.
19. Sumer’s Radiology Site: Learn about different applications for radiology.
20. The Radiology Portal: Your gateway into all things radiology, and especially helpful for students.

Medical IT

Keep up with what is happening in the place where information technology and medicine intersect.

21. Medical Connectivity: Creating medical devices that are interoperable, and addressing issues of automation in medicine.
22. Future Health IT: A look at what is going on in the world of IT and health.
23. Health Business Blog: Addresses issues of health, business and information technology in one blog.
24. Neil Versel’s Healthcare IT Blog: Interesting take on the subject of medical and health IT.
25. eHealth SmartBrief: Looks at some of the more interesting developments in terms of IT and medical technology.
26. The Healthcare IT Guy: An inside look at what is happening in the world of healthcare IT.
27. eHealth: A look at the implications of IT and electronic information sharing on health and medicine.
28. Technology in (Medical) Education: Learn how technology and IT are affecting the way those in the medical profession learn.
29. HIStalk: Commentary on the latest health and medical IT news of the day.

Medical and Healthcare Informatics

A whole new field has arisen out of the need to put medicine and healthcare together with technology and science.

30. HealthNex: A look at how health informatics can provide solutions that are centered around the patient.
31. Mobile Health Computing: Using technology and science to improve healthcare and medicine in a number of fields.
32. MedicalComputing.Net: News and information related to medical informatics and advances in the field.
33. Biological Informatics: Medical informatics with a biological focus. An interesting look at how it all fits together.
34. My Medical Informatics Blog: Get thoughts and commentary on the latest headlines related to medical informatics and health policy.
35. Health Informatics Forum: Professionals and students can read helpful posts, and discuss the latest developments in medical informatics.
36. Goomedic: An informatics portal with a focus on medicine and health.

Medical Science

Get a better understanding with regard to what is happening in terms of the science behind some of our medical advancements.

37. Medical Science: Looks at research topics and more surrounding the science of medicine.
38. Advancing the Science: This blog from the prestigious Mayo Clinic offers insights in how medical science is moving forward.
39. Body & Brain: Looks at science news particularly focused on the body and the brain, and is from ScienceNews.
40. NeuroLogica Blog: Get the latest on the science of neurology and see what’s happening in the world of the brain.
41. Science Translational Medicine: How science breakthroughs and research can be used to enhance medicine.
42. Science-Based Medicine: Approaches medicine with a basis in science, and offers insight into what happens when the two intersect.
43. Science News: Offers an interesting look at a number of science subjects, including those related to medicine.

Medical Inventions and Breakthroughs

A lot is happening in terms of inventions, discoveries and breakthroughs with regard to improving medicine and health. These blogs offer insights into what’s next for medical technology.

44. Medical Breakthroughs: Get the latest medical headlines, and learn about what is on the way for medicine.
45. EurekAlert!: Find out what amazing discoveries are being made in terms of medical science.
46. medGadget: Get the latest medical advancements and news from the science realm. Interesting devices and helpful medical gadgets.
47. Latest Medical Breakthroughs: Just what it sounds like, this blog offers insights and headlines with regard to the latest breakthroughs in medical technology.
48. BreakThrough Digest: Keep track of the latest scientific and technology breakthroughs in medicine.
49. Health and Medical Device News: Find out what is going on with new medical technology devices.
50. Latest Medical Technology: The technology that is bringing medicine into the future.

Nanotechnology is especially important to medicine because the medical field deals with things on the smallest of levels. Additionally, the small nano devices that are being developed right now can enter the body and look around in ways that large humans can only dream of. Here are 25 ways that nanotechnology is revolutionizing medicine:

1. Nanobots: These devices have great potential for medical uses. These smallest of robots could be used to perform a number of functions inside the body, and out. They could even be programmed to build other nanobots, increasing cost efficiency.
2. Nanocomputers: In order to direct nanobots in their work, special computers will need to be built. Efforts to create nanocomputers, as well as the movement toward quantum computing, are likely to continue to provide new processes and possibilities for the science of medicine.
3. Cell repair: Damage to the cells of the body can be very difficult to repair. Cells are so incredibly small. But nanotechnology could provide a way to get around this. Small nanobots or other devices could be used to manipulate molecules and atoms on an individual level, repairing cells.
4. Cancer treatment: There are hopes that the use of nanotechnology could help in cancer treatment. This is because the small, specialized functions of some nano devices could be directed more precisely at cancer cells. Current technology damages the healthy cells surrounding cancer cells, as well as destroying the undesirables. With nanotechnology, it is possible that cancer cells could be targeted and destroyed with almost no damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
5. Aging: Nano devices could be used to erase some of the signs of aging. Already, laser technology can reduce the appearance of age lines, spots and wrinkles. With the help of powerful nanotechnology, it is possible that these signs could be done away with completely.
6. Heart disease: There is a possibility that nanobots could perform a number of heart related functions in the body. The repair of damaged heart tissue is only one possibility. Another option is to use nano devices to clean out arteries, helping unclog those that have buildup due to cholesterol and other problems.
7. Implanting devices: Instead of implanting devices as we have seen in some cases, it might be possible to send a nanobot to build the necessary structures inside the body,
8. Virtual reality: Doctors could explore the body more readily with the help of a nanobot injection. Creating a virtual reality that would help medical professionals and others learn could help make some operations more “real” and provide practice ahead of time.
9. Gene therapy: Nanotechnology would be small enough to enter the body and even redesign the genome. This would be a way to alter a number of conditions and diseases. However, the human genome would need to be understood a little better for truly advanced gene therapy. However, nanobots would be qualified for swapping abnormal genes with normal genes and performing other functions.
10. Drug delivery: Systems that automate drug delivery can help increase the consistency associated with providing medication to those who need it. Drug delivery systems can be regulated using nanotechnology to ensure that certain types of medications are released at the proper time, and without the human error that comes with forgetting to take something.
11. Nanotweezers: These devices are designed to manipulate nanostructures. These can be used to move nano devices around in the body, or position them prior to insertion. Nanotweezers are usually constructed using nanotubes.
12. Stem cells: Nanotechnology can actually help adult stem cells morph into the types of cells that are actually needed. Studies showing how nanotubes can help adult stem cells turn into function neurons in brain damaged rats.
13. Bone repair: It is possible to accelerate bone repair using nanotechnology. Nanoparticles made up of different chemical compositions can help knit bones back together, and can even help in some cases of spinal cord injury.
14. Imaging: Nanotechnology can provide advancements in medical imaging by allowing a very specific and intimate peek into the body. Nano devices result in molecular imaging that can lead to better diagnosis of a variety of diseases and conditions.
15. Diabetes: Instead of having to draw blood to test blood sugar level, nanotechnology is providing a way for diabetics to use lenses to check their blood sugar. These nanocomposite contact lenses actually change color to indicate blood sugar level.
16. Surgery: We already have robotic surgeons in some cases, but nanosurgery is possible using some lasers, as well as nano devices that can be programmed to perform some surgical functions. Being able to perform surgery at the smallest level can have a number of benefits for long term medicine.
17. Seizures: There are nanochips being developed to help control seizures. These chips are meant to analyze brain signals, and then do what is needed to adjust the brain so that epilepsy could be better controlled.
18. Sensory feedback: For those who have lost feeling in their body, it is possible to use nanotechnology to increase sensory feedback. Nanochips provide the opportunity for electrical impulses to be intercepted and interpreted.
19. Limb control: Prosthetics continue to advance, and nanotechnology is likely to help revolutionize the way paralysis is handled. There are some attempts to use nanochips that can help those who have lost limb control use their minds to send signals to provide a certain amount of motion.
20. Medical monitoring: You might be able to increase your ability to monitor your own body systems with the help of nanotechnology. Small nanochips implanted in your body could monitor your health and systems, and then send you feedback to your computer or other device.
21. Medical records: In addition to monitoring your own body systems, nanotech can be used to send information to your health care providers, and increase the efficiency of electronic medical records.
22. Disease prevention: Having a nano device in your body could actually help prevent diseases. With proper programming, it should be possible to help you avoid some diseases, repairing problems before they become serious issues. They may even be able to help prevent chronic diseases.
23. Prenatal: There are a number of ways that nanotechnology can help in terms of prenatal diagnosis. Being able to get inside the uterus and even inside the fetus without causing trauma can be beneficial to prenatal health, and nanotechnology can also help potentially repair problems in the womb.
24. Individual medicine: Nanotechnology is moving toward making medicine more personal. Being able to accurately work up your genome can help health providers more precisely pinpoint the proper treatments and tweak a treatment plan according to your individual needs and responses.
25. Research: Nanotechnology is advancing medical research, providing the tools that can help us learn more about the body and how it functions, as well as providing insight into chemistry and physics, which provide the building blocks for the body.

The following list of twenty-five essential tips for any athlete to stay healthy all season is divided into categories by warm-weather sports, cold-weather sports and links to tips that can help you stay healthy all year long. Each link listed within those categories is listed linked to the source, so you can delve deeper into that resource to learn more.

Warm-Weather Sports

Warm-weather sports require a focus on hydration, heat illnesses and water safety. The following tips cover all these topics and a few more…

1. Allergy Sufferers Beware: Some allergy medications may sap your strength and elevate your heart rate. Read about one person’s experience and get some advice at this link.
2. Basketball Players Hurt More: According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, basketball leads a list of the ten most popular summer recreational activities with the most injuries, followed by cycling and baseball. Learn how to protect yourself in these sports with this article and its resources. For students, cheerleading represents two-thirds of all catastrophic severe sports injuries.
3. Beat the Heat: Any time the temperature climbs over ninety degrees Fahrenheit, you’re putting yourself at risk for heat-related illnesses and even death. Avoid afternoon outdoor sports, stay hydrated and learn more about heat-related deaths and illnesses at this site.
4. Learn about Water Safety: Water sports are more popular during the summer, and water-related accidents abound as well. Learn more about recreational water safety at the National Water Safety Congress Web site.
5. Sweating is Good: Functional sweat glands can help you stay cool during summer sports, but a number of issues can block this function such as nerve damage, alcohol, certain medications, genetic disorders and more. Some people may not be aware that they have a malfunctioning system until they become dehydrated or sick. Learn more about this issue at the Mayo Clinic.

Cold-Weather Sports

Skiing, snowmobiling and other cold-weather sports provide doctors and emergency rooms with plenty of activity over winter months. You can avoid some injuries with the following tips:

6. Layer Clothing: Muscles, tendons and ligaments do not stretch as quickly or as well when they’re cold. Warm up before you head out and dress in layers to keep warm and to be able to shed some layers if you become overheated.
7. Pair Up for Winter Sports: One reason to pair up is to enjoy a non-team activity, such as walking, skating or skiing with another person. The other reason is to be able to help the other person if he or she becomes injured. For instance, many people cannot recognize their own signs for hypothermia (see below), so a buddy system can become a life-saving system in some cases.
8. Signs and Symptoms of Hypothermia: Learn the signs and symptoms of this condition, that often is caused by cold weather. This is another reason to buddy-up for winter sports, as the person who develops hypothermia may not recognize their own symptoms.
9. Avoid Thin Ice: Ice skating, snowmobiling and other activities that include ice need special attention. You can avoid injury and fatalities by learning what to do when you participate in ice-related sports through this article produced by the U.S. Consumer Safety Product Commission.
10. Know Your Terrain: Outside of the thin ice situation, you can avoid injury and death if you know your terrain. Running through a barbed wire fence, for instance, can result in the loss of a limb. Back country skiing, also, is open to life-threatening situations such as avalanches. many ski resorts, such as Keystone (linked here) offer advice on how to avoid winter sports injuries.
11. Know Winter Weather: Nothing can be more life-threatening than to be caught in the back country during a blizzard. These weather changes can come on quickly in mountainous regions, so make sure you know what to expect before you head out for winter (or even summer) mountain sports.
12. Stay Dry: Insulated and/or waterproof clothing can help keep you warm. Feet are especially vulnerable to frostbite. Carry extra clothes with you to change into if you become too sweaty or wet from the weather.

Year-Round Injury-Prevention Tips

13. Begin Slowly: If you’re just starting to work out, start slowly to help avoid overworking muscles. A pre-season conditioning program or training (see below) can help you ease into your seasonal sports activity.
14. Choose Your Sport Carefully: Although this link leads to an article geared toward parents with children, the tips can be just as appropriate for adults who may not know their limits. Participating in a sport that is age-appropriate and suited to your lifestyle, physical fitness level and training can help you to avoid injury.
15. Invest in Training: Even coaches must learn how to help their athletes avoid injuries. The more skilled or dangerous the sport (such as tennis or rock-climbing) or the more competitive (such as soccer), the more imperative the training for all involved to help avoid needless injury.
16. Keep Muscles Strengthened: While stretching before sports has become a hotly debated issue, the point is to keep muscles flexible and strong. Conditioning the entire body, instead of just one part of your body, adds strength and stamina to any sport you pursue and it also avoids overuse of any one part of your body.
17. Learn the Statistics: When you know that male adolescents are particularly vulnerable to snowboarding injuries, you might provide them with extra safety measures. The majority of injuries occur during falls, and these falls occur when attempting to jump during the first season of snowboarding. Extra training may help avoid becoming a statistic, but knowledge about your sport and its risk may help you to avoid injury as well.
18. No Pain No Gain Myth: Celebrity trainer Harley Pasternak and many other trainers now dispel the “no pain no gain” axiom, as pain may be the first sign that something is wrong. When in pain, stop and examine the source of the pain before you continue workouts or sports activities.
19. Wear the Right Gear: Each sport has gear that was designed to keep participants safe and to help avoid injury.
20. Signs and Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injury: Even if you wear a helmet, you may sustain a brain injury during sports activity. Some symptoms may not appear for weeks. This list provides you with some insight into signs and symptoms so you can monitor your progress after an injury.
21. Sun Protection: No matter the season, protect your skin from UV damage with sunscreen. Although summer heat can cause immediate damage with burns, you can obtain damage during the winter as well, and some sun damage may take a few years to develop. You can learn more through this link to the Cancer Research UK Web site.
22. Avoid Alcohol: Although alcohol may seem to help you warm up in winter, alcohol actually constricts blood vessels and lowers the body’s tolerance for heat. Plus, it dehydrates the body and has many long-term effects. Finally, it clouds judgment, something you don’t need during a physical activity. Learn more about how alcohol can affect performance, recovery and more from this link.
23. Adjust to Altitude Changes: No matter the season, a change in altitude can affect performance and become a source for injuries and illnesses that can affect the brain and lungs. This link to the International Society for Mountain Medicine can provide more information about this problem.
24. Wildlife Threats: Humans can be threats to wildlife, but the opposite can occur if you let your guard down. This article illustrates some animals to watch for in Colorado, but other areas – including seemingly tame neighborhoods – can prove threatening if they’re filled with loose dogs, wild pigs, deer or bear.
25. Stay Aware at All Times: Even when you aren’t participating in a sport, awareness can help you stay on top of your game. You don’t want to break a wrist while washing a car or throw out a pitching shoulder when you turn off your alarm clock.

The following list is comprised of twenty-five open courseware classes that focus on sports, sports medicine, injury and pain management and much more. The courses are free, but you cannot gain credits upon finishing each course. You will, however, walk away with knowledge offered by top universities, and this knowledge can help you gain an edge in your sports management.

Each link listed below is sorted by categories and listed alphabetically within those categories. This method shows readers that we do not favor one resource over another.

Basic Courses

1. Active, Healthy Lifestyles: This course is aimed at physical education teachers, as it looks at some common misconceptions that relate to fitness and activity levels [The Open University].
2. Introduction to Cardiac Care: Dr. Lewis introduces viewers to their hearts, and helps readers understand how to keep that heart healthy through a seminar that uses medical illustrations, audio, Flash animation and authentic diagnostic imagery [Columbia].
3. PE for ME: This course is an introduction to the inerent ability of the human organism to function in accord with its physical environment [MIT].
4. Public Health Practice 101: You may exercise alone, but you may also compete with many other people. Learn the basics of public health practices to stay healthy [Johns Hopkins].
5. Science Information Tutorial: Learn (or re-learn) the scientific method, peer review, scholarly communication and methods of locating and evaluating scientific literature and information sources [UCIrvine].

Anatomy

6. Anatomy and Physiology: Use self-study modules to learn more about anatomy and physiology, then move on to the second course, which is more advanced [Western Governors University].
7. Cardiovascular Pathophysiology: This is an introduction to cardiovascular issues, but it expands on the introductory course listed above as it is targeted to the medical community [Tufts].
8. Medical Terminology: Learn medical terminology that can help you to become more comfortable with a medical environment. You also will encounter anatomy through this course [College of Eastern Utah].
9. Musculoskeletal Pathophysiology: This course covers the growth, development and structure of normal bone and joints, the biomechanics of bone connective tissues and their response to stress, calcium and phosphate homeostasis [MIT]. Another, comparative course in Musculoskeletal Pathophysiology is offered at Tufts [Tufts].
10. Musculoskeletal Sequence: Gain knowledge of the foundational basic science knowledge of the musculoskeletal system with this course [Open.Michigan].

Injury and Pain Management

11. Chronic Infection and Inflammation: What are the Consequences on Your Health? This course explores the emerging field of pathogen-induced chronic diseases that may redefine major disorders such as ulcers, diabetes, atherosclerosis and more. This is an undergraduate course that may help you to identify underlying problems behind some physical issues [MIT].
12. Confronting the Burden of Injuries: Learn about injury problems and learn to assess their magnitude. Prevention is key to avoiding injuries when possible, and students learn how to put such a plan in place [Johns Hopkins].
13. Health Assessment and Promotion: Although not specifically focused on injury or injury prevention, this program can help users learn to assess and interview a client and accurately identify that person’s history and physical assessment, no matter the client’s age [UMass Boston].
14. Introduction to Clinical Pain Problems: This program provides a unique and interdisciplinary method that sets the standard for pain education and pain management [Tufts].
15. Issues in Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Learn more about various methods used for healing outside traditional Western techniques and the reliability of these alternatives in practice [The Open University].

Nutrition

16. Critical Analysis of Popular Diets and Dietary Supplements: Examine the science behind normal mechanisms of weight control and about how weight loss diets are constructed and how they work [Johns Hopkins].
17. Food and Nutrition Policy: Learn more about the steps and dynamics of policy-making processes that address nutrition problems and issues [Johns Hopkins].
18. Nutrition: Learn about nutrition fundamentals, the science of digestion and metabolism and gain knowledge about macronutrients and micronutrients through this course material [Western Governors University].
19. Nutrition and Medicine: By taking this course, you may learn more than over half the doctors in the U.S. know about how nutrition can affect health [Tufts].
20. Principles of Human Nutrition: Learn more about the physiological requirements and functions of protein, energy and the major vitamins and minerals that determine the difference between health and disease in humans [Johns Hopkins].

Sports Sciences

21. Chemistry of Sports: The focus here is on three sports – swimming, cycling and running. Learn about the chemistry of the biological system in these sports as they are combined to perform a triathlon [MIT].
22. Improving Aerobic Fitness: This unit teaches aspects of aerobic fitness that could enhance anyone’s performance and well being [The Open University].
23. Physical Intelligence: Learn more about the body’s kinesthetic intelligence as applied to a wide range of disciplines. This course involves exercises, activities, readings and discussions to help develop balance, agility, flexibility and strength as well as a deeper appreciation for the inherent unity of mind and body [MIT].
24. Stress Management: This course is included under sports sciences, as it involves the mind and body in a program that focuses on the causes of stress, the ability to recognize personal stressors and an holistic life-changing management for stress control [Weber State University].
25. Weight Training: This course is designed for beginners or for those who have received incorrect training. The instructions include biomechanics involved, muscles used for a given exercise and program development [MIT].

To be included on this list, which is divided into categories that range from Ayurvedic medicine to naturopathy, the chosen blog had to have an updated entry posted within the past three to four weeks. The blogs are listed alphabetically within each category to show readers that we do not favor one blog over another.

Holistic Practice

1. Phylameana’s Holistic Healing Blog: Phylameana lila Desy is certified in Usui Shiki Ryoho Reiki and the Science of Intuition from the Holos Institutes of Health.
2. Dr. Weil: Dr. Weil integrates Eastern and Western medicine and preventative health practices to form a truly holistic outlook on health.
3. Holistic Blog Coach: If you own a holistic business, Peggie can help you reach out to a broader audience. She is into holistic health as well as into public relations, advocacy and social media.
4. Holistic Health: The Times Union carries a Holistic Health column with a variety of writers on board.
5. Holistic Living: Belief.net carries a holistic living column that provides readers with health, personal growth and emotional advice from an inspirational, spiritual and faith-based perspective.
6. Holistic Mama: A qualified reflexologist and wife and mother offers her insights into holistic living and healing.
7. Methods of Healing: This blog and online magazine offers a variety of resources and news on a wide variety of holistic healing and preventative practices.
8. Natural Holistic Health Blog: Get tips, news and advice from this blog with a natural holistic focus.
9. The Healing Project: This project focuses on work being done by healers and, in the process, provides an opportunity to learn more about preventative health and to move away from dependency on Western medicine.
10. The Holistic Option: This is a health community with a blog that focuses on a variety of issues and health holistic remedies and treatments as well as preventative measures.

Alternative Medicine

11. About Alternative Medicine: Cathy Wong provides her insights as a licensed naturopathic doctor and an American College of Nutrition-certified nutrition specialist.
12. Alternative Medicine Blog: Dr. Joseph Chikelue Obi presents an evidence-based alternative medicine blog.
13. Alternative Medicine Zone: This blog/zine offers information on topics raning from alternative medicine and acupuncture to meditation and reflexology.
14. Natural Alternative Medicine Health Care Guide: Use this blog to learn more about natural products and alternative forms of healing.
15. Worldwide Health: This site houses a vast resource of articles, products, courses and directories of retreats and practitioners as well as an updated blog.

Chinese Medicine

16. Chinese Medicine News: Don’t expect produce sales or service promotions at this blog/zine, which offers news and research information about healing through Chinese traditions.
17. Deepest Health: Exploring Classical Chinese Medicine: Eric Grey is a Portland-based practitioner of Classical Chinese Medicine and a prolific blogger who has shared his knowledge online since his stint as a student.
18. Discover TCM: Learn more about traditional Chinese medicine through this site, which focuses on a wide variety of techniques and solutions.
19. TCM Directory: More than a list of traditional Chinese medicine resources, this site offers a blog that explains some techniques and shares news.
20. Traditional Chinese Medicine Discussion: This blog tackles western illnesses with possible traditional Chinese solutions as well as recent developments in this field.

Chiropractic

21. Action Chiropractic and Rehab: This blog focuses on various issues that can affect general health and well being as well as information on acupuncture, massage and more.
22. An alternative perspective to health and healing: This chiropractic office offers healing based upon sublaxation, or incorrect function of the vertebral segment. Their blog focuses on general health as well as chiropractic healing.
23. Dr. Braddock’s Health & Wellness Corner: Dr. Braddock has dedicated his life to helping people restore their health potential without drugs or surgery through chiropractic services.
24. The Healthy Spine Blog: Offered by LeBlanc Chiropractic, this blog is a discussion on healthy living and current health research.
25. The Next Generation Chiropractor: This blog is devoted to helping chiropractors build a successful online presence for their practices. Patients can learn more about ethical practices and more by reading this blog.
26. The Secrets of Health: Dr. James Weaver shares his expertise with Filipinos on a daily basis, and with the world through his blog.

Herbalism

27. AarTiana’s Blog: This master herbalist, Reiki master, author and ULC Reverand offers her take on herbal healing, flower essences and more at this blog.
28. Dancing in a Field of Tansy: This blogger is a “little bit Quaker, a little bit Mormon, a little bit Native American,” and she shares her herbal knowledge through this blog.
29. Hamida the Herbalist: This herbalist also sells products on Etsy and shares her wisdom through this blog.
30. Herb News: The Herb Research Foundation offers news, blogs and more through their site that focuses on herbs as healing tools and preventative measures.
31. Herbal Healing, Health and Calming: You can find helpful reviews, informative information and tips and much more on this updated blog.
32. Katolen Yardley Holistic Health and Herbal Medicine Blog: This Blog was created by Katolen Yardley, Medical Herbalist of Alchemy & Elixir to share information about herbal medicine and discuss philosophies of health maintenance.
33. The Essential Herbal: Find recipes, usage information, crafts and healing ideas through this blog managed by Tina Sams.

Naturopathy

34. Alchemille’s Secret Garden: Alchemille is a self-taught herbalist who is steeped in Wise Woman traditions. She carries products on Etsy and shares her knowledge on this blog.
35. Discovering Naturopathy…a Student’s Perspective: This updated blog offers thoughts and insights from a student who is progressing through a four-year naturopathic program in Canada.
36. Dr. Tori Hudson, N.D.: This naturopathic physician, author, educator and researcher provides rational and scientific substance for naturopathy through her blog.
37. EarthSource Naturopathy: This doctor in naturopathic medicine is focused on elements of wellness and preventative medicine.

Homeopathy

38. Ask Dr. Luc: This blog focuses on experience, advice, wisdom and tips on classical Homeopathy for recovering children autism (ASD) and other special needs.
39. Hmedicine.com: This blog is part of a larger resource about homeopathic remedies and treatments and is part of a homeopathic medicine store.
40. Homeopathy Heals: Learn more about homeopathy and how to become a successful homeopath through the advice and news offered by this blog.
41. Homeopathy Works: Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom (NA) has practiced as a classical homeopathic consultant since 1997, and she offers her insights at this blog.
42. Official Homeopathy Resource: Use this blog for information on homeopathic treatments, resources and more.
43. Sue Young Homeopathy: Sue Young is a homeopath and a writer who shares her knowledge about her craft.
44. The Homeopathic Pregnancy Blog: This blog focuses on pregnancy and beyond, with breastfeeding and raising newborns.

Ayurveda

45. Ayurhelp.com: Dr.Savitha Suri offers her knowledge about Ayurveda on this blog.
46. Ayurveda and Yoga Blog: You can find a wealth of information here on topics that include herbal remedies, Ayurvedic herbs, rejuvenation therapies and more.
47. Ayurveda Holistic Community: This blog is part of AltMD, and is offered by Swami Sadashiva Thirtha.
48. Ayurvedagroup.com: This blog is tied into the Ayurveda Group, comprised of doctors who want to offer information about Ayurveda and Ayurvedic treatments.
49. Dr. Eddy Clinic & Ayurveda School: This blog is part of the Integrated Medical Clinic and Ayurveda School, which combines traditional Western and alternative medicines.
50. Natural Health Tips and Ayurvedic Medicine: Although this blog is based upon a sales site, it is a popular blog that offers sensible advice that a reader can use as a basic foundation for further research.

Drug prices
Many pharmaceutical companies have over time been known to maximize their profits by burdening patients with high medical bills. Health care bills have over time been reported to increase at an alarming rate that leaves patients both health and financially, deprived. This is because most patients spent more on drugs according to prescriptions given by their doctors which are always comparatively expensive. Many drugs have also been known to have a markup of 100% over their initial ingredients.

Deep Marketing than Research
Many pharmaceutical companies have been known to spend more finances and time on their marketing than the expected research and development case. This has been different  to the over time launched claims that prices on prescriptions jerk up in regard to expenses incurred while covering research and development cost. Most of the Pharmaceutical companies, especially, in the U.S have been identified as market driven but this has been challenged by public relations intervention that they should have a research driven and life-saving pharmaceutical industry.

Hiring unprofessional drug sellers
Though it’s very important that all drug representatives in selling have clear science education, some pharmaceutical companies fail to put this aspect in to consideration which leads to great side effects since the drug benefits are at times exaggerated. Prescriptions from unqualified drug dealers have over time been a greater risk to populations all over.

Having Blockbuster drugs
Blockbuster drugs are a great factor that contributes towards most drug prices going out of control. This is because many pharmaceutical companies employ marketing tactics that are directly related to increasing sales. When a certain drug selling performance reaches approximately billion dollars a year in sales it’s referred to as a blockbuster. The pharmaceutical companies are put in a place where they can capitalize on individual’s addictive behavior and have continued prescriptions that guarantee sales and high returns.

“New” drugs not always new
In most instances when a new drug reaches the market it’s always approved as identical to existing ones or their modified versions. The Food and Drug Administration analyzed statistics has over time shown that only a third of new drugs were made based on new molecular entities that contain different treatment procedures particularly. The pharmaceutical companies have therefore been placing high prices for such drugs. This is done to extend their patents and place high competitive standards to other companies which in the long-term maintain its high price. Other drug companies have always performed their clinical trials in underdeveloped companies.

How this medical tool works is to take images of multiple slices and then is capable of building and accurate 2-D or in some cases a 3-D image of the tissue of a human organ. Most people do shy away to undergo an MRI procedure leave alone even to become a MRI technologist. They only fear undergoing this procedure not knowing that MRI is a very safe one since there are no known resulting harmful effects. One thing that is important for everyone to note is that metal objects can easily be drawn to the magnet. This is the only time when damage can be done because if this metal material are embedded in your body, they can easily been drawn into the magnet causing damage.

However, some metal materials are acceptable. For instance, if you are injured and you need a hip replacement, it will be possible for you to have an MRI within six weeks after having surgery. This is so because enough healing will have taken place and so the metal will be held firmly in place. If you are thinking of becoming a MRI Tech, you have to pass through some educational institutions whereby you can have your degree within only 12 months. You do not even necessarily be a X-Ray Tech in order to train as a MRI Tech and you do not even need to be in healthcare to train as one. Many people are unaware of the existent of such institutions so you have to look out for them over the internet.