Valium / Diazepam Side Effects

Catalogue of side effects for the medication Valium - generic Diazepam - a benzodiazepine antianxiety medication sometimes prescribed in the treatment of bipolar disorder and other mental illnesses.

Common Side Effects:

Check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome:

Clumsiness or unsteadiness; dizziness or lightheadedness; drowsiness; slurred speech

Less Common or Rare Side Effects:

Check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome:

Abdominal or stomach cramps or pain; blurred vision or other changes in vision; changes in sexual desire or ability; constipation; diarrhea; dryness of mouth or increased thirst; false sense of well-being; headache; increased bronchial secretions or watering of mouth; muscle spasm; nausea or vomiting; problems with urination; trembling or shaking; unusual tiredness or weakness

Always Notify Doctor:

Less Common: Anxiety; confusion (may be more common in the elderly); fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat; lack of memory of events taking place after benzodiazepine is taken (may be more common with triazolam); mental depression

Rare: Abnormal thinking, including disorientation, delusions (holding false beliefs that cannot be changed by facts), or loss of sense of reality; agitation; behavior changes, including aggressive behavior, bizarre behavior, decreased inhibition, or outbursts of anger; convulsions (seizures); hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there); hypotension (low blood pressure); muscle weakness; skin rash or itching; sore throat, fever, and chills; trouble in sleeping; ulcers or sores in mouth or throat (continuing); uncontrolled movements of body, including the eyes; unusual bleeding or bruising; unusual excitement, nervousness, or irritability; unusual tiredness or weakness (severe); yellow eyes or skin

Levitra

Levitra

Generic Name: vardenafil (var DEN a fil)

Brand Names: Levitra

What is Levitra?

Levitra is a phosphodiesterase inhibitor. It works by helping to relax muscles and increase blood flow into the penis during sexual stimulation. This helps men to achieve and maintain an erection.

Levitra is used to treat erectile dysfunction (impotence).

Levitra may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Important information about Levitra

Do not take Levitra if you are also using a nitrate drug for chest pain or heart problems. This includes nitroglycerin (Nitrostat, Nitrolingual, Nitro-Dur, Nitro-Bid, and others), isosorbide dinitrate (Dilatrate-SR, Isordil, Sorbitrate), and isosorbide mononitrate (Imdur, ISMO, Monoket). Nitrates are also found in some recreational drugs such as amyl nitrate or nitrite ("poppers"). Taking Levitra with a nitrate medicine can cause a serious decrease in blood pressure, leading to fainting, stroke, or heart attack.

FYI: Free Prescription Drug Card

Yes, yes, I know this is about dental-related stuff but I want to quickly point out that one of my dental distributors as just opened up a new web site for people who do not have prescription drug coverage. It's called the USA Drug Plan and it's absolutely free!

All you need to do is go to the web site, type in the name of your prescription, the dosage and the amount prescribed and you can find out exactly how much money you can save by using this Rx card. You can even type in your ZIP code and get a list of pharmacies in your area that accept this prescription plan. If you decide on getting this plan, you can print out your membership card directly from the web site so you can start using it the same day.

Folic Acid

Folic Acid

Generic Name: folic acid (FOE lik AS id)

Brand Names: FA-8, Folacin-800

What is folic acid?

Folic acid is a type of B vitamin that is normally found in foods such as dried beans, peas, lentils, oranges, whole-wheat products, liver, asparagus, beets, broccoli, brussels sprouts, and spinach.

Folic acid helps your body produce and maintain new cells, and also helps prevent changes to DNA that may lead to cancer.

As a medication, folic acid is used to treat folic acid deficiency and certain types of anemia (lack of red blood cells) caused by folic acid deficiency.

Folic acid is sometimes used in combination with other medications to treat pernicious anemia. However it will not treat Vitamin B12 deficiency and will not prevent possible damage to the spinal cord. Take all of your medications as directed.

Inflamed Gums... More Serious Than You Think

Research Suggests Chronic Inflammation Links Gum Disease To Other Diseases

Not only dentists but more and more medical physicians are stressing the importance of good oral health in an effort to keep the rest of the body healthy. Research has long suggested an association between gum disease and other health issues- including heart disease, stroke and diabetes- but now an emerging theory, and one gaining support from researchers worldwide, is that inflamed gums -or gum disease- may link the health of the mouth to the health of the body.

Inflammation is the body's instinctive reaction to fight off infection, guard against injury or shield against irritation. Inflammation is often characterized by swelling, redness, heat and pain around the affected area. While inflammation initially intends to heal the body, over time, chronic inflammation can lead to dysfunction of the infected tissues, and therefore more severe health complications.

Dentists Frequently The First To Discover Eating Disorders

Healthy and beautiful looking teeth have a dramatic effect on a person's attractiveness to others as well as on his or her own self-image and self-esteem. Studies have shown that appearance will have a strong effect on social and career success by influencing how a person is perceived.

According to the Institute of Dental Research and Colgate Oral Pharmaceuticals, 28% of bulimia cases are first diagnosed during dental exams. Yet in a study conducted by Old Dominion University, fewer than 33% of dentists and 43% of dental hygienists currently assess patients for eating disorders. Worse yet, fewer than 20% of dentists and 17% of dental hygienists refer these patients for treatment.

Americans Get Failing Grade On Oral Health Knowledge

The American Dental Association, in collaboration with Crest and Oral-B recently revealed findings from a national public opinion survey on oral health care. If you go to nobody's surprise that Americans labor under many misconceptions, and they do so at the risk of their own and their children's health.

Here is a sneak peek at the key findings of the national survey:

1. While eight of 10 Americans say taking care of one's mouth, teeth and gums is "absolutely needed," only one-third of them say they do an "excellent" job taking care of them.

2. One parent in four says his or her kids do only a "fair" or "poor" job taking care of their own mouth, teeth and gums.

Piercing Your Tongue Can Cause Gapped Teeth

Dental News

The Journal of Clinical Orthodontics has published a case study involving a 26-year-old woman who needed braces -costing thousands of dollars- to correct a gap in her teeth caused by a tongue piercing she received 7 years early.

The case study is considered to be common among those with metal studs inserted into their tongues according to dental researchers at the University of Buffalo which collected photos from the patient that showed she had no diastema, or space, between her upper central incisors prior to receiving the tongue piercing.

A previous survey by the university's dental school found that tongue piercings caused high school students in Buffalo to pick up this habit, which the students called "playing."

New Health Benefits Excise Tax Calculator

Senate Finance Committee passed a health care proposal that included a revenue proposition that would include a "Cadillac Plan" excise tax. The excise tax amounts to 40% of the cost of benefits over certain thresholds and they would be higher for plans covering early retirees and employees in high risk industries, such as mining or law enforcement.

To help calculate the sets are tax on businesses, the Human Resources consulting Findley Davies has developed the ETC (Excise Tax Calculator). This tool projects current costs for an employer to 2013 and beyond (up to 2017) in order to estimate the impact of the Excise Tax on their projected costs. In this way, employers can begin to evaluate and implement strategies to ensure their total costs will fall below the Excise Tax thresholds. With a minimal amount of current information, the tool allows employers' human resource and finance functions to work together to ensure that strategies are in place well before the 2013 deadline.

Panic Button Lets Patients Control Dental Drill

DENTAL NEWS: Does the sound of a dental drill freak you out to the point where you avoid going to the dentist even though you need to go?

Well, there's good news as a new hand-held device known as "The Dental Button" that allows dental patients to press a button to immediately stop the dentist's drill to relieve pain or just calm the nerves.

"You have no control, you have people leaning over you. It's almost primal. Your throat is exposed," says Philadelphia dentist Dr. Jerald Matt who uses the Dental Button.

This device can help calm patients suffer from anxiety causing them to hold their breath, tremble and fidget in the dentist's chair. Whether they suffer from a little anxiety or intense fear, the dental button puts control of the drill in the hands of the patient as a dentist cannot continue drilling until the patient resets the system.

Musical Toothbrushes? Are You "Kid"ding Me

Dental News

The San Diego-based company Plackers has introduced the first line of musical toothbrushes aimed at getting kids to brush their teeth more by making the experience both fun and educational.

Called Brush & Learn, these new types of toothbrushes utilize original melodies and upbeat, catchy lyrics, each toothbrush plays an entertaining, educational song that encourages healthy dental care habits by making brushing fun for children. Parents can choose from four Brush & Learn toothbrushes with songs that help teach children their ABCs, 123s, farm animal sounds, as well as proper teeth brushing techniques for children.

The Latest Dental News and Views

Dental News: According to the March issue of DentalFax, primary care physicians who do the residencies in the state of Maine are being trained to perform basic dental procedures due to a shortage of dentists in that state.

Dental Views: Bravo! It's about time a State did something to improve the dental health of its children instead of throwing up its hands and saying "We just don't have enough dentists". I wouldn't be a bit surprised if the ADA doesn't fight this change, though; God forbid dentists should stop being the most probable small business in America.

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Dental News: According to Millennium Research Group's US Markets for Dental Implants 2009 report, because of the bad economy, patients are significantly less inclined to get dental implants and instead are opting for less expensive alternatives such as crowns and bridges.

Texans To Get Free Dental Services

DENTAL NEWS: Thousands of South Texans are expected to receive free medical and dental services this week during Operation Lone Star. Currently in its eleventh year, Operation Lone Star is a free medical and dental treatment program offered by the military along with state and county officials. The two-week event expanded to include more cities this year after providing health care to more than 11,000 South Texans last year. Laredo, Rio Grande City, Hebbronville and Zapata will host the event this week.

DENTAL VIEWS: Like most free dental care events, it's a good idea to show up early so you won't be shut out from receiving services. Is not uncommon --in fact, it's usually the case-- that there are so many people seeking these services that many are turned away. Forewarned is forearmed.

Halloween Tips For Health-Conscience Parents

Halloween tricks may scare you and the kids, but the holiday's treats can cause their fair share of trouble as well. The sugar in those Halloween goodies can fuel caries, the disease that causes tooth decay and cavities, says Julie Jenks, a pediatric dentist and assistant professor with the USC School of Dentistry. "When sugar sticks to teeth, the caries bacteria eat it and produce acid, which can wear away the teeth," she says. "It's important to limit the amount of time that the acid spends on teeth."

Did you know that not all candy is created alike when it comes to causing cavities? Sticky candies stay in between teeth a longer period of time and are not so easily removed by saliva, which means that the longer those sweets stay in your mouth the more prone you are to bacteria converting the sugars into acid and getting tooth decay. Sticky sweets like fruit rolls, gummy bears, Laffy Taffy, Starbursts and hard candy like lollipops, jawbreakers, Sweet Tarts or anything that stays in your mouth for long periods should be avoided.

Focalin

Focalin

Generic Name: dexmethylphenidate (dex METH il FEN i date)

Brand Names: Focalin, Focalin XR

What is Focalin?

Focalin (dexmethylphenidate) is a mild stimulant to the central nervous system. This medication is a modified version of Ritalin (a common medication for attention disorders) and contains only the most active component.

Focalin is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Symptoms of attention deficit disorders include continual problems with moderate to severe distractibility, short attention span, hyperactivity, emotional changeability, and impulsiveness. Focalin should be given as part of a total treatment program that includes psychological, educational, and social measures.

Are Diabetes and Obesity Linked To Periodontitis?

The University of Illinois at Chicago has received a two-year federal grant to continue a study on how periodontitis, an inflammatory disease of the tissues surrounding teeth, is linked to type 2 diabetes and obesity.

Dr. Keiko Watanabe of the UIC College of Dentistry has found that periodontitis accelerates the onset of insulin resistance in rats fed a high-fat diet. Her new research will determine how periodontitis affects diabetic complications in the retina, aorta and pancreas.

"The prevalence of type 2 diabetes has risen dramatically as the result of an increase in obesity caused by a high-fat diet, junk food and a sedentary lifestyle," said Watanabe, associate professor of periodontics. Although the association between obesity, type 2 diabetes and periodontitis is recognized, she said, the underlying causes remain poorly understood.

Reoccurring Headaches Linked To Dental Pain

Could that nagging headache and painful jaw be tied to your oral health? Many headache sufferers might want to consult their dentist as well as their doctor since headaches and dental pain have a lot in common, says Director of the Orofacial Pain and Oral Medicine Graduate Program at the USC School of Dentistry Glenn Clark.

Pain centered in the nerves and muscles running throughout the face and neck, as well as poor habits the discomfort may cause, can trap sufferers in a painful feedback loop, with head pain triggering jaw and neck pain and vice versa.

"Headaches and toothaches all transmit through the trigeminal nerve, the largest sensory nerve in the head that supplies the external face, scalp, jaw, teeth and much of the intra-oral structures," Clark says. "Pain in one branch of the nerve has the potential to activate other branches of the nerve, and when that pain is chronic and sustained, it is more likely to trigger a sequence of events that might lead to a headache. In people who have headaches, a continuous, sustained toothache can easily trigger one of the episodic headaches such as migraines."

Nasal Spray Could Replace The Anesthetic Needle

Dental News

How Paying Through The Nose Can Be A Good Thing

The American Chemical Society's journal Molecular Pharmaceutics is reporting in the May/June issue that a common local anesthetic, when administered to the nose as nose drops or a nasal spray, discovery could lead to new intranasal drugs for noninvasive treatment for dental pain.

The approach could provide a more effective and targeted method for treating dental pain/anxiety, trigeminal neuralgia (severe facial pain), migraine, and other painful conditions, the scientists say.

Having A Nose For Advances In Dental Pain Treatment

Researcher Neil Johnson, working in the labs of Frey and Leah R. Hanson, Ph.D. at Regions Hospital in Minnesota, found that lidocaine or Xylocaine, sprayed into the noses of laboratory rats, quickly traveled down the trigeminal nerve and collected in their teeth, jaws, and mouths at levels 20 times higher than in the blood or brain.

Having A Baby? See Your Dentist, Advises Doctor

Ready to have a baby? It's time to pencil in a checkup... with your dentist. Oral care is probably not first on the priority list when it comes to planning a pregnancy. But ask a doctor who has helped about 6,500 women bring their new bundles of joy into the world - including his fair share on camera - and he'll tell you that taking care of teeth is key in helping ensure overall health.

High-risk pregnancy specialist Dr. Charles Hux, featured on the television series "A Baby Story," on TLC said if a woman has had dental problems in the past, she definitely should see a dentist prior to the start of pregnancy. "Even if she hasn't had problems with her teeth, it's important to have them checked to ensure there isn't any work that needs to be done, as dental problems and decay can result in high risk of premature labour and delivery," said Dr. Hux.

Fight Plaque With... Gummy Bears?

The tooth-protecting sugar substitute xylitol has been incorporated into gummy bears to produce a sweet snack that may prevent dental problems. Research published in the open access journal BMC Oral Health describes how giving children four of the xylitol bears three times a day during school hours results in a decrease in the Plaque bacteria that cause tooth decay.

Xylitol is a naturally occurring sugar alcohol that is frequently used as a sweetener. It has been shown to reduce levels of the harmful mutans streptococci (MS) bacteria that are known to cause tooth decay. While xylitol chewing gums are available, they are not considered to be suitable for younger children. This research was led by Kiet A. Ly from the University of Washington. He says, "For xylitol to be successfully used in oral health promotion programmes amongst primary-school children, an effective means of delivering xylitol must be identified. Gummy bears would seem to be more ideal than chewing gum."

Up Sales, Down Sales

Anyone who has ever been associated with sales knows that you have your good times and your bad times. What no one tells you is that there is frequently nothing you can do about your bad times and that sometimes you're bad times lead to no-more times!

This is the dilemma that has plagued my online business since the end of September as since then my sales have been down by 60%-70%... and for the life of me I can't figure out why. I haven't done anything different, there isn't any new competition and I have not decreased my advertising budget. This "slump" is so severe that if I do not find a new way of attracting new sales I'm simply going to stop advertising altogether and slowly let my business die on the vine.

New Test For Detecting Breast Cancer

Dentists May Soon Use Saliva To Make Early, Non-Invasive Diagnoses For Breast Cancers

The onset of breast cancer produces a change in the normal type and amount of proteins in glandular secretions from the salivary glands. Researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston know what to look for and published their study findings last month (January 2008) in "Cancer Investigation."

The ultimate goal is to bring a diagnostic saliva test, which is capable of detecting cancer before a tumor forms, into dental offices or other health care facilities. The technology aims to enable health care providers to provide quick, accurate diagnostic information and physician referrals to their patients.

Have A Dental Related Question? Yahoo!

Have you ever wished that you could ask a question about almost anything and have a bunch of people that you don't know answer your question, even if their answers don't help you one bit?

Then you'll love Yahoo Answers.

I will spare you the boring details about this relatively new community at Yahoo.com where registered participants can both ask questions about any subject as well as answer other people's questions about any subject. The Yahoo Answers subject I choose to participate in is, naturally enough, Dentistry. Once there, I search for unresolved questions dealing with either the cost of dental procedures or about dental coverage in general.

How To Handle Sores On Your Mouth Or Tongue

Do You Have Recurring Sores In You Mouth Or Tip Of Your Tongue That Gets Tender & Sore?

The most common cause of recurrent sores on the tongue is aphthous stomatitis, or canker sores. These sores usually occur one or two at a time, last seven to 10 days, and are quite painful, especially when eating acidic foods. They may recur several times a year or even every month or two. The cause is unknown but they are otherwise harmless and are not clearly associated with any single nutritional deficiency or illness.

There are some research studies suggesting that up to 20 percent of canker sores are due to lack of folic acid, iron or vitamin B12, but other researchers have been unable to confirm this. A general medical evaluation to identify one of these problems should be able to determine whether your tongue sores are related to a nutritional deficiency. In addition, it might be wise to take a multivitamin (as is often recommended routinely, even for people without canker sores).

Alaska's Rural Dental Care Improving

Dental News

Alaska's efforts to deliver quality dental care to its underserved rural population via The Dental Health Aide Therapy program (DHAT) has been so successful that is being heralded as a model for other states according to a study done by RTI International of Research Triangle Park in North Carolina with funding from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, and Alaska's Rasmuson Foundation and Bethel Community Services Foundation.

The study was an independent evaluation of the DHAT program in confirmed that dental therapists at work in five Alaska communities are providing safe, competent, appropriate dental care to children and adults. Based on the Alaska study, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation announced a $16 million initiative back in November to fund similar programs in Kansas, New Mexico, Ohio, Vermont and Washington.

Flonase

Flonase

Generic Name: fluticasone nasal (floo TIK a sone)

Brand Names: Flonase, Veramyst

What is Flonase?

Flonase is a nasal spray containing the corticosteriod fluticasone. It prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation.

Flonase is used to treat nasal symptoms such as congestion, sneezing, and runny nose caused by seasonal or year-round allergies.

Flonase may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important information about Flonase

Before using Flonase, tell your doctor if you are using antifungal medications such as ketoconazole (Nizoral), or HIV medicines such as ritonavir (Norvir, Kaletra).

Tea For Two Is Good For You

Did you know that drinking either black or green tea is good for your teeth? Christine Wu, Ph.D. and associate dean for research at the University of Illinois, has conducted several studies on tea in oral health and her research has found that;

* Plant compounds found in both black and green tea prevent plaque from building up in addition to helping prevent the development of cavities.

* Tea has the potential to reduce bad breath as it inhibits the growth of bacteria that causes the odor.

* Many teas also contain fluoride which helps protect the tooth's enamel from decay.

Well, I guess it's goodbye to Coke and Pepsi for me from now on. Tea is my new drink of choice. If I'm lucky, it will save me at least one trip to the dentist.

Silent Enamel Eating Syndrome Not So Silent

Mysterious Dental Condition On Rise In USA

Cavities or not, your teeth could be in more trouble than you know because of a silent and destructive phenomenon called dental erosion, which is the steady loss of the teeth's protective enamel. The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio has found that the incidence of dental erosion is on the rise in the United States.

A study involving 900 middle school students was conducted in 2004 and 2005 at Indiana University, the University of California at San Francisco and the UT Health Science Center San Antonio discovered a 30 percent prevalence rate of dental erosion among 10- to 14-year-olds in the United States.

Flossing Increases Lifespan

Flossing Makes You Live Longer!

Regular flossing, long considered an essential part of daily dental cleansing, has been found to have a positive effect on your life expectancy, increasing it by up to 6 years.

The primary benefit of flossing is that plaque is removed from the sides of your teeth and gum line, resulting in fewer cavities and preventing you from developing gum disease.

If you have gum disease, you are 1.5-2 times more likely to die from a fatal heart attack and 3 times more likely to suffer from a stroke than someone with healthy gums.

Gum disease can be particularly dangerous to the elderly. Infected gums can contain pneumonia bacteria that can be transferred into the lungs. Furthermore, if bacteria from periodontal disease, a more serious form of gum disease, enters the blood stream, people with artificial joints or heart valves are more likely to suffer from a serious infection.

Dentist Puts Money Where Patients Mouth Is

DENTAL NEWS: Perhaps it's a sign of the economic times, but one California dentist is so concerned over the lack of dental care many senior citizens are receiving that he's putting his money where their mouth is... literally.

Dr. Doug Reams, a dentist in Lucerne, California, is offering a 10-percent senior discount to all seniors in September and October. "We all need to do what we can in today's economic downturn. Lucerne, being a small community, I want to give something back," explained Reams.

Dr. Reams has practiced dentistry in Lucerne for 32 years and recently has become quite concerned over the lack of proper dental care many seniors in his area receiving. "It is sad to see seniors unable to keep up with their dental needs because they live on a fixed income," Reams said. "Proper dental hygiene can aid in the prevention of many medical illnesses, such as Alzheimer's disease, heart problems, joint pain, stroke and a lot more."

Warning: How To Safely Prepare Ground Beef

On the heels of the USDA recall of almost 96000 pounds of beef from Illinois and reproduce or on Friday, it's important to check all hamburger meat before you fire up the grill this Memorial Day weekend. More specifically the US Department of agriculture's Food Inspection and Safety Service is recommending you take the following steps when preparing hamburger meat.

Wash hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds before and after handling raw meat and poultry. Wash cutting boards, dishes and utensils with hot soapy water. Immediately clean spills.

Keep raw meat, fish and poultry away from other food that will not be cooked. Use separate cutting boards for raw meat, poultry and egg products and cooked foods.

Smiles Are The 'Most Attractive' Physical Feature

Today is officially Valentine's Day and what do we find most attractive about our sweetheart(s)? Their smile! A national survey conducted for the American Dental Association, Crest(R) and Oral B(R) finds that Americans say that the smile outranks eyes, hair and the body as the most attractive physical feature.

Yet men and women differ when it comes to caring for their smile (i.e. taking care of their teeth and gums). The nationally representative survey of 1,000 Americans ages 18 and older found 86 percent of women brush their teeth twice or more a day, yet only 66 percent of men do so.

Sadly, all Americans need to do a better job of flossing their teeth. Only half of those surveyed (49 percent) say they floss their teeth once a day or more often. And 1 out of 3 people surveyed think a little blood in the sink after brushing their teeth is normal, yet it's not -- it could signal gum disease or another health problem.

Redheads Fear Dentists More Than Most

Reinforcing earlier research that redheads are more resistant to general and local anesthesia and therefore more sensitive to pain, Dr. Daniel Sessler, professor and chair of the Cleveland Clinic's Outcomes Research, and other researchers interviewed 144 people who were natural redheads and brunets about anxiety, fear of dental pain and whether they avoided dental care. The results were that 85 people with the genetic variant associated with red hair reported significantly more dental care-related anxiety and fear of dental pain than the others. Consequently, they were more than twice as likely to avoid dental care, even after researchers controlled for general trait anxiety and gender differences.

Mouthwash Myth

Contrary to common myth, mouthwash does not wash your mouth and certainly does not help create stronger gums like flossing does. Although many, such as Listerine, do help break down plaque, studies have shown that rinsing with plain tap water can be almost as effective.

Even if you and your kids really hate flossing, your best dental plan is to stick with the tried and true brush and floss combination, supplementing it with mouthwash if recommended by your family dentist.

Save Money With Homemade Mouthwash

Having trouble stomaching the cost of mouthwash? No dental insurance policy or discount dental plan out there will cover such routine daily oral hygiene treatments but, with a little ingenuity, you won't have to pad the wallets of Listerine's stock holders either.

Dental Health = Overall Health. One Insurer Gets It.

DENTAL NEWS: Aetna reports that in 2008, nearly 67,000 of its health insurance members who are considered medically at risk sought dental care they would otherwise not have gotten because of Aetna's DMI (Dental Medical IntegrationSM) program. Aetna's DMI program is offered at no additional charge to all Aetna medical plan members who are identified as "at risk" meaning those with diabetes, heart disease and pregnant women who will not see a dentist in a year or more. Introduced in 2006, Aetna's DMI program now standard issue.

DENTAL VIEWS: The optimist in me says that this DMI program is a win-win situation because it improves the health of chronically ill people without increasing the price they pay for health insurance. The cynic in me says Aetna isn't implementing the DMI program because they want to help people, they're doing it so they can save money in the long run by not having to pay out as much money for treatments of their chronically ill members.

Acnexus Reviewed, Honestly!

After my August voting poll Acnexus was the most popular choice for review so I did some research and testing. Other than finding a number of false reviews and fake rankings sites (I think I will have to write an article on this epidemic), the results themselves were interesting.

Firstly, it is a cream treatment that you apply to your skin twice daily the same way you would use a scrub - apply to clean skin, rub for 30 seconds, rinse off, and pat dry. Now in terms of effectiveness, I have to say I was impressed with the feeling it gives the skin after use. Your skin feels fresher and smoother, but not dry at all. Plus the feeling does last longer than other scrubs I have used, and it reduces oiliness for a period of time. It will open your pores like a scrub, and it will moisturize and heal your skin like a natural healing cream, but this will do both simultaneously. So, if you can afford the price of around $20-30 per month, I would recommend this product as a scrub/cream. Personally, though, I will stick to using an over-the-counter scrub and follow it with a natural moisturizer simply because it is 1/3 the price and I like having them separate, but if you like the idea of getting both actions in the same product then Acnexus is a very good option. It will definitely help treat acne, but let me be perfectly clear: it is not a cure! It will simply help, like any other scrub and healing cream would.

FazaClo

FazaClo

Generic Name: clozapine (KLOE za peen)

Brand names: Clozaril, FazaClo Orally-Disintegrating Tablets, Clopine, Clozapine Synthon, Denzapine, Zaponex

What is FazaClo?

FazaClo (clozapine) is an antipsychotic medication. It works by changing the actions of chemicals in the brain.

Clozapine is used to treat severe schizophrenia. It is also used to reduce the risk of suicidal behavior in people with schizophrenia or similar disorders.

FazaClo is usually given after other medications have been tried without successful treatment of symptoms.

FazaClo may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Acne or Cystic Natural Treatment: Which Works Better?

Cystic acne is one of the most severe forms of acne vulgaris. Cystic acne may be similar to a nodule in size, but is pus-filled, and may have a diameter of 5mm or more. Cysts originate deeper in the skin than typical pimples and the lesions can be very painful and commonly produce scarring. Treatment of existing cystic acne and prevention of future acne lesions is necessary to avoid additional scarring and to help heal and diminish acne scars that exist. There are treatments your doctor can prescribe that can be helpful for cystic acne sufferers. If you prefer herbal and vitamin treatments for acne, cystic natural treatments are also available including detoxification and natural herbal supplements and topical acne products.

Acne Products with Benzoyl Peroxide

Acne products with benzoyl peroxide are one of the several remedies that can be used to cure acne - a horror that almost every teenager has to face. To know more about benzoyl peroxide acne products, read on...

Benzoyl peroxide, one of the oldest acne cures, is a proven treatment to cure acne and also heal acne marks. The compound, benzoyl peroxide, is used in many acne skin care products that include lotions, ointments and facial remedies for acne. Acne products with benzoyl peroxide have shown considerable success.

Benzoyl Peroxide Products for Acne

Before, we get to know how benzoyl peroxide is a very good remedy for acne, it is important to know what acne really is. Acne is one of the most prominent skin conditions that teenagers tend to suffer from, as a result of the hormonal changes that take place in the body. The immediate and also the only symptom of acne, is the appearance of acne marks on the face. The oil from the facial skin is one of the reasons that acne appears on the face. The problem is, once the acne settle downs, infection as a result of bacteria and microorganisms often occurs. The biggest drawback of the action of the bacteria on acne is that it leaves behind a scar on the skin.

Acne Prevention Tips

For the millions of people who suffer from acne, here are some simple yet effective tips on acne prevention.

If you suffer from acne, as millions of people do, you’ve probably been given a lot of advice about acne prevention, as well as acne causes. However a lot of these are just old wives’ tales with no scientific facts behind them. Knowing the truth about acne prevention will help you make the right decisions.

Fast Foods & Chocolate

You’ve probably heard that eating chocolate will make you get pimples. But in fact science has not proven this to be true at all. Like any foods, consuming too much chocolate is certainly not good for you or your skin, but the occasional chocolate bar is not going to make you break out, especially if you eat healthy nutritious food the rest of the time. Just like with chocolate, your mom has probably cautioned you that french fries are bad for your skin. While fried foods are unhealthy, it’s only when you eat them all the time that it’s going to be a problem, and it’s more likely you’ll gain weight than get acne. Neither fried foods nor chocolate are responsible for acne, and avoiding them, while good for your health, is not particularly useful for acne prevention.

Acne Home Remedies that Work

Most of us have suffered from acne at one point or the other. There are number of acne home remedies that work, which you may want to use, in place of over-the-counter remedies, which are widely available.

When the pores and oil glands on the skin are clogged, it causes acne. Although there is no age bar for acne breakouts, the teenagers and young adults are more prone to it, as compared to individuals in their older age bracket. There are different types of pimples, we may suffer from. It can be whiteheads, blackheads, nodules, cysts, etc. The pimples can cause pain, pus or scarring. Therefore, once someone suffers from pimples, the main agenda is to get rid of pimples at the earliest. With the acne home remedies that work, you will not have to worry too much. Most of the home remedies are often available at home and you will not have to hunting for them either.

Acne Medication Over the Counter

Acne can cause extreme skin irritation. Hence, acne sufferers are on the lookout for an acne medication over the counter that can safely cure this skin condition quickly. Following article lists some popular acne products, known to get rid of acne fast.

The skin disorder that occurs due to over production of sebum (oil), resulting in clogging of skin pores, is referred as acne. The sebaceous glands that lie beneath the outermost layer, secrete sebum to keep the skin moist and soft. However, when sebum is produced in large amounts, the pores get choked creating a perfect environment for the bacteria to breed. This bacterial infection then triggers acne that causes formation of pimples, whiteheads and blackheads. In this condition, the skin turns red and may become inflamed.

Acne Cream Treatment: The Simple Acne Solution

An acne cream treatment could be all you need to clear your acne. It's probably the simplest of all acne solutions, it's inexpensive and it does work! Finding the right one is the only problem.

Suffering from mild acne? An acne cream treatment might be all you really need to restore your face to its natural beauty. Forget antibiotics and dangerous drugs - gimme some goop to smear on my face any day! What a simple acne cure!

Just taking a little care with your skin can cure many milder acne outbreaks at home. You just have to commit, practice strict self-discipline and not skip a day. One little problem - pimple and acne cream comes in like a gazillion different brands. How do you choose the right one? By color? By smell? How about packaging - surely the one with the cool applicator would be the best for the money... just kidding!

Drixoral

Drixoral

Generic Name: dexbrompheniramine and pseudoephedrine (dex brome fen IR a meen/soo doe e FED rin)

Brand Names: Drixoral

What is Drixoral?

Drixoral contains a combination of dexbrompheniramine and pseudoephedrine. Dexbrompheniramine is an antihistamine that reduces the natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose. Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant that shrinks blood vessels in the nasal passages. Dilated blood vessels can cause nasal congestion (stuffy nose).

Drixoral is used to treat sneezing, cough, runny or stuffy nose, itchy or watery eyes, hives, skin rash, itching, and other symptoms of allergies and the common cold.

Aching Legs

Aching legs can be quite a trouble if you have long working hours. Find out what the underlying reasons maybe and what can you do about aching legs.

After a hard day's work, a deep slumber is all you want. But right when you are about to fall asleep, a shrieking pain in your legs, wakes you up with a start. Aching legs are quite a menace to deal with. There are numerous reasons for aching legs at night and at day time too. Aching legs and cramps are the most common complains by both children and the aged lot. Not always is the reason for aching legs a serious one. It may just be a small injury causing the pain or an exertion. However, if the ache persists, you surely need to get in touch with a doctor as soon as possible. Let's see what are the reasons and solutions for aching legs.

Aching Joints - The Road to Immobility

The pace at which the mankind has been necessitated to propel its life, which is intricate than ever, will certainly lead to a destination from where it would be difficult to head back. The growing health hazards are highly alarming. Another introduction to the ailing health catalog is the problem of aching joints.

Rightly said and repeated over the years by some wise men "Prevention is better than cure", the quote fits in appropriately, especially when we talk about and seek remedies or help towards issues related to our health. Ironically, there would only be a handful of us who would pay any heed to it even when knowing that it’s a truth, well observed by all of us at some point or the other.

Aching Joints - Living Life at a Tortoise Pace

Some years ago, aching joints was a health concern mainly for the wrinkled faces, today, it has engulfed the youth as well. In today’s time, one essentially needs to take care given the speed at which it is emerging as a major health barrier. The living patterns and poor lifestyles greatly contribute to the problem.

Always rational to be cautious before the ailment hits one as taking the health for granted puts one in a spot of bother, which becomes serious with the time if not taken care of.

Earlier, while one used to visit a specialist with the problem of aching joints, the obvious prescription was usually defined around preventive measures and not towards driving people for a cure.

Aches, Pains, and Injuries

Being a Personal Fitness Professional, I hear from many people who are suffering from various aches and pains, and unfortunately are misinformed. One thing I am constantly hearing from people is "I've got a bad back," or "just my old tennis elbow acting up". This frustrates me because these people are misled and are often suffering unnecessarily.

My frustration is not with the person experiencing the problem, but with the Health and Medical Industry as a whole! Frequently, these people are diagnosed with conditions they don't have such as Arthritis, Osteoporosis, and many others. Nearly all of the aches, pains, and Injuries people experience are caused by muscle imbalances!

Acetyl L Carnitine - not Just for Body Building

New research about Acetyl L Carnitine makes this supplement part of a great anti aging program.

If you are over 40, you're probably already reading about vitamins and supplements and how they can help with anti aging. Acetyl L Carnitine is one of those supplements and has recently become popular due to some exciting research. This article is part of a series regarding anti aging supplements and is designed to clear up some of the confusion surrounding supplements. Acetyl L Carnitine is a supplement that has been around the bodybuilding field for a while, but is now getting a lot of press for it's help in the anti aging field as well. It has been used for years in Europe. Acetyl L Carnitine helps supply the brain with energy. It promotes biosynthesis of acetylcholine, a key neurotransmitter for brain and nerve function. Acetyl-L-Carnitine has been shown in clinical studies to benefit cognitive ability, memory and mood.

Dilantin

Dilantin

Generic Name: phenytoin (oral) (FEN i toyn)

Brand names: Dilantin, Dilantin Infatabs, Dilantin-125, Phenytek, Phenytoin Sodium, Prompt, Dilantin Kapseals, Phenytoin Sodium, Prompt, Di-Phen

What is Dilantin?

Dilantin (phenytoin ) is an anti-epileptic drug, also called an anticonvulsant. It works by slowing down impulses in the brain that cause seizures.

Dilantin is used to control seizures. It is not made to treat all types of seizures, and your doctor will determine if it is the right medication for you.

Dilantin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Accutane Benefits vs. Accutane Disadvantages

Perhaps many of you would go far astray and afraid if you will undergo an Accutane acne treatment, right? Perhaps, you are even rattled by the Accutane reviews of those people who have experienced it. However, you need not fret because before your doctor decides that you need to undertake such, he has looked into the greater side of the benefits that it could give you rather than the risks that go with it.

The very basic and obvious benefit that you can get by taking Accutane as acne treatment is the drying up of your sebaceous glands’ oils. When it happens, the glands will not produce too much or less oil, which will also be synonymous with the absence of acne. However, paralleling this benefit in the absence of acne is the fact that you will furthermore; experience some side effects like irritated eyelids and eyes, nosebleed, and dried nose, skin, and lips. As we have mentioned, Accutane’s prime purpose is to dry up the sebaceous gland. Therefore, giving moisture to your skin. Thus, we should not be shocked about it.

Acai Berry Weight Loss - Do Acai Berries Helps You to Drop Off Weight?

I'm sure you've found out about this surprising fruit named the Acai Berry with mystic weight loss qualities that support you reduce weight smart, the quick way. This article will look closely look into it's weight loss characters.

The Acai berry is truly a little, roundish berry that feels similar to a grape. The fruit is gained up of a pulp similar to content with a seed in the center. It is as well told to be one of the safest fruits that provide clever energy to the human body.

The serious call made by those who consume these berries is smart weight loss. This is execute this effort unlike other products and supplements that boast natural appetite suppressant characters. Alternatively, the Acai berry rises your bodies consumption of calories so that you ending up burning much more calories during normal physical actions. The closing result is clever weight loss. Everything you need to do is watch over a reasonable diet and exercise plan and eating this fruit of it will kick in and burn those calories quicker than you would otherwise be able to do.

Acai Berry: The Energy Booster

Acai Berry has hit the market very hard in the last few months. It is known for its fat burning and weight loss properties, but it can also have a great effect on energy that no other product can claim.

Acai Berry is a superfood that was found by scientists in the Amazon Jungle. The berry was originally thought to be toxic to humans because it is to animals. After testing was done on the berry, it was not only proven that the berry was edible, but also had amazing fat burning properties. Now, months later, even more tests have been done to show amazing energy boosting properties.

Most energy boosters come in a dangerous time release pill that is loaded with caffeine and sometimes very dangerous chemicals. Usually, the their is not enough of these dangerous chemicals to do any serious damage, but the products have not been around long enough to see the effects later in life. What if science could find an energy booster that was all natural and didn't cause these type of problems.

Acai Berry Select Reviews

This article talks about the review of acai berry select. If you want to discover what it offers before you move forward to buy it, then you should read the content of this article to learn more about acai berry select.

Acai berry select is a weight loss formula. There are up to 5 benefits of taking acai berry select. They are namely:

1. It will aid you to lose excess weight

2. It will aid to boost your body metabolism

3. It will aid to boost your fat oxidation

4. It aids to get rid of fatigue

5. It will boost your energy level

Acai berry select is a great antioxidant supplement. Dr. Perricone rated the acai berry as the number one supper food in the world. It comes from the amazon rain forest. Omega 3, 6 and 9 oils are present in acai berry. Omega oil plays a crucial role in weight loss. This is to say that it contains a lot of nutrients sufficient for weight loss. Acai berry select is a certified acai berry fruit harvested from the amazon rain forest. It does not just contain ingredients extracted from the acai berry fruit, but it is also fortified with nutrients that aid in weight loss.

Uloric

Uloric

Generic Name: febuxostat (fe BUX oh stat)

Brand Names: Uloric

What is Uloric?

Uloric is a prescription medicine called a xanthine oxidase inhibitor that reduces the production of uric acid in your body. Uric acid buildup can lead to gout or kidney stones.

Uloric is used to treat high blood concentrations of uric acid in patients with gout.

Uloric may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important information about Uloric

You should not use Uloric if you are allergic to febuxostat, or if you are also being treated with azathioprine (Azasan, Imuran), mercaptopurine (Purinethol), or theophylline (Elixophyllin, TheoCap, Theochron, Uniphyl).

Dacogen

Dacogen

Generic Name: decitabine (de SIT a been)

Brand Names: Dacogen

What is Dacogen?

Dacogen (decitabine) is a cancer medication that interferes with the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body.

Dacogen is used to treat myelodysplastic syndromes (certain types of blood or bone marrow cancer).

Dacogen may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important information about Dacogen

Before receiving Dacogen, tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease.

Do not use Dacogen if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment. If a man fathers a child while using Dacogen, the baby may have birth defects. Use a condom to prevent pregnancy during your treatment. Continue using condoms for at least 2 months after you stop receiving this medicine. You should not breast-feed while you are receiving Dacogen.

Sorilux

Sorilux

Generic Name: calcipotriene

Company: Stiefel Laboratories, Inc.

Treatment for: Plaque Psoriasis

FDA Approves Sorilux

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Sorilux (calcipotriene) Foam, 0.005%, for the topical treatment of plaque psoriasis in patients aged 18 years and older.

Sorilux Patient Information

Important: For skin use only. Do not get Sorilux Foam in your eyes, mouth, or vagina.

Read the Patient Information that comes with Sorilux Foam before you start using it and each time you get a refill. There may be new information. This leaflet does not take the place of talking with your doctor about your condition or treatment.

Silenor

Silenor

Generic Name: doxepin (DOX e pin)

Brand Names: Silenor

What is Silenor?

Silenor (doxepin) belongs to a group of drugs called hypnotics.

Silenor is used to treat insomnia in people who have trouble staying asleep.

Silenor may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important information about Silenor

You should not use Silenor if you are allergic to doxepin, or if you have untreated narrow-angle glaucoma or severe problems with urination.

Do not use Silenor if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as furazolidone (Furoxone), isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) within the past 14 days. Serious, life-threatening side effects can occur if you take Silenor before the MAO inhibitor has cleared from your body. Some people using this medicine have engaged in activity such as driving, eating, or making phone calls and later having no memory of the activity. If this happens to you, stop taking Silenor and talk with your doctor.

Renagel

Renagel

Generic Name: sevelamer (se VEL a mer)

Brand Names: Renagel, Renvela

What is Renagel?

Renagel (sevelamer) is a phosphate binder. Sevelamer helps prevent hypocalcemia (low levels of calcium in the body) caused by elevated phosphorus.

Renagel is used to reduce blood levels of phosphorus in people with chronic kidney disease who are on dialysis.

Renagel may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important information about Renagel

You should not take Renagel if you are allergic to sevelamer, or if you have a low blood level of phosphorus (hypophosphatemia), or a blockage in your intestines.

Rapaflo

Rapaflo

Generic Name: silodosin (SIL oh DOE sin)

Brand Names: Rapaflo

What is Rapaflo?

Rapaflo (silodosin) belongs to a group of drugs called alpha-adrenergic blockers. Rapaflo helps relax the muscles in the prostate and bladder neck, making it easier to urinate.

Rapaflo is used to improve urination in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate).

Rapaflo may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important information about Rapaflo

You should not take Rapaflo if you have severe kidney or liver disease, or if you are also using ketoconazole (Extina, Ketozole, Nizoral, Xolegal), itraconazole (Sporanox), or ritonavir (Norvir).

Preven EC

Preven EC

Generic Name: ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel

Brand Name: Preven EC

What is Preven EC?

Preven EC contains a combination of ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel. Ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel are forms of estrogen and progesterone, which are both female hormones involved in conception.

Preven EC is used as an emergency contraceptive (EC) to prevent pregnancy after contraceptive failure or unprotected intercourse. Preven EC prevents ovulation (the release of an egg from an ovary), disrupt fertilization (joining of the egg and sperm), and inhibit implantation (attachment of a fertilized egg to the uterus).

Potassium Chloride

Potassium Chloride

Generic Name: potassium chloride (poe TASS ee um)

Brand Names: Cena K, K-Dur, K-Lor, K-Tab, Kaon-CI, Kaon-CL, Kay Ciel, Klor-Con, Micro-K, Rum-K

What is potassium chloride?

Potassium is a mineral that is found in many foods and is needed for several functions of your body, especially the beating of your heart.

Potassium chloride is used to prevent or to treat low blood levels of potassium (hypokalemia). Potassium levels can be low as a result of a disease or from taking certain medicines, or after a prolonged illness with diarrhea or vomiting.

Potassium chloride may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Pentacel

Pentacel

Generic Name: diphtheria, haemophilus, pertussis, tetanus, and polio (dif THEER ee a, hem OFF il us, per TUS is, TET a nus, POE lee oh)

Brand Names: Pentacel

What is Pentacel?

Pentacel is a vaccine. Diphtheria, haemophilus influenzae, pertussis, tetanus, and polio are serious diseases caused by bacteria.

Diphtheria causes a thick coating in the nose, throat, and airway. It can lead to breathing problems, paralysis, heart failure, or death.

Haemophilus influenzae can cause minor flu symptoms or it can cause more serious symptoms such as swelling around the throat, making it hard to swallow or breathe. Haemophilus influenzae can also cause swelling of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord (meningitis).

Mobic

Mobic

Generic Name: meloxicam (mel OKS i kam)

Brand Names: Mobic

What is Mobic?

Mobic is in a group of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Mobic works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body.

Mobic is used to treat pain or inflammation caused by arthritis.

Mobic may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Mobic?

This medicine can increase your risk of life-threatening heart or circulation problems, including heart attack or stroke. Do not use this medicine just before or after having heart bypass surgery (also called coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).

Methotrexate

Methotrexate

Generic Name: methotrexate (oral) (meth oh TREX ate)

Brand names: Rheumatrex Dose Pack, Trexall, Folex PFS, Methotrexate Sodium, Preservative Free

What is methotrexate?

Methotrexate interferes with the growth of certain cells of the body, especially cells that reproduce quickly, such as cancer cells, bone marrow cells, and skin cells.

Methotrexate is used to treat certain types of cancer of the breast, skin, head and neck, or lung. It is also used to treat severe psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Methotrexate is usually given after other medications have been tried without successful treatment of symptoms.

Librax

Librax

Generic Name: chlordiazepoxide and clidinium (klor dye az e POX ide and kli DI nee um)

Brand Names: Librax

What is Librax?

Librax is a capsule containing a combination of chlordiazepoxide and clidinium. Chlordiazepoxide is in a group of drugs called benzodiazepines. Chlordiazepoxide affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause anxiety.

Clidinium reduces stomach acid and decreases intestinal spasms.

Librax is used to treat stomach ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, and intestinal infections.

Librax may also be used for other purposes not listed.

Important information about Librax

Coreg

Coreg

Generic Name: carvedilol (KAR ve dil ole)

Brand Names: Coreg, Coreg CR

What is Coreg?

Coreg is in a group of drugs called beta-blockers. Beta-blockers affect the heart and circulation (blood flow through arteries and veins).

Coreg is used to treat heart failure and hypertension (high blood pressure). It is also used to treat or prevent heart attack.

Coreg may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important information about Coreg

You should not take Coreg if you are allergic to carvedilol, or if you have asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, severe liver disease, or a serious heart condition such as heart block, sick sinus syndrome, or slow heart rate (unless you have a pacemaker).

Study helps unlock key to long life

Who tends to live longer: The happy-go-lucky type or the plodding worrier? The slacker or the workaholic? The never-married female or the divorced male?
A study of 1,500 people over the course of eight decades found that some of our common notions about longevity are dead wrong.
The key factor leading to a long life? Not cheerfulness, not marriage. It’s conscientiousness.
This is the first study to ever follow people over such a long time period and gather this type of data,” says research psychologist Leslie Martin, co-author of the new book The Longevity Project.
In 1921, Stanford University psychologist Lewis Terman began studying a sample of 1,500 bright boys and girls, most born around 1910, to discover what traits — social, psychological and physical — are sources of leadership. On his death in 1956, researchers continued collecting information about the now middle-aged participants.
Terman’s bright boys and girls grew up to lead diverse lives — as businesspeople, lawyers, engineers, housewives, clerks, policemen and technicians. A few gained some fame: Shelley Smith Mydans was a reporter for Life covering World War II in Asia, where she was captured and spent months in a prisoner-of-war camp; Jess Oppenheimer helped create the I Love Lucy show.
In 1990, psychologist Howard Friedman, co-author of The Longevity Project, began collecting data on the surviving participants, now elderly men and women, to analyze the lifespan factors they shared.
Martin, a psychology professor at La Sierra University in Riverside, Calif., spoke to the Star recently about the traits that promote a long life. Here is an edited version of the conversation:
So who lives the longest?
A number of factors predict a long life, but one of the most consistent findings is that people who are conscientious lived a long time. Another characteristic is social connectedness, particularly if it involved helping others. We also found that individuals who worked hard tended to live long lives. And we found that worry is not the risk that people think.
Conscientiousness is the top predictor. How so?
A conscientious person is responsible and organized and not very full of ego. They’re pragmatic and they think ahead. It makes sense that these qualities would be related to a long life. Because they think ahead, they are less likely to encounter as many stressors. They tended to wind up in more stable marriages. They gravitated to stable careers that they found fulfilling. All these dimensions are pathways that can lead to a long life. The highly conscientious were more likely to be moderate drinkers or abstainers and were less likely to smoke.
What if you weren’t conscientious as a child but became more so as an adult?
We divided the data into categories: stably conscientious, stably not so and those who switch, becoming more conscientious over time or becoming less so. The stably conscientious lived the longest and the always not conscientious fared the worst. Those who took steps to be more so in early adulthood improved their life expectancy and those who became less so had greater risk of a shorter life.
What finding surprised you the most?
The difference for men versus women who divorced and remarried. Divorce is harmful to anyone. But men who remarried diminished their risk quite a bit. For women, remarrying didn’t help. Many of them had similar outcomes to those who stayed single after divorce. For both men and women, being steadily single was almost as good as being steadily married.
What common beliefs about living a long happy life are wrong?
You commonly hear, “You’re working yourself to death. Take it easy.” That’s wrong. Those who worked the hardest tended to live the longest.
And contrary to what most people think, the most happy-go-lucky, cheerful people had the greater risk of dying earlier.
How do you explain that?
That was one of the most surprising and hardest to explain. We looked at other studies to reconcile our findings. If you are faced with a crisis, being cheerfully optimistic is a good thing, enabling you to engage the problem and recover. But as a life approach, where decisions are shaded by unrealistic optimism, it leads people to take more risks and make potentially problematic choices. In our study, the most cheerful kids grew up to smoke and drink more and have riskier hobbies.
The participants in your study were all smart and nearly all white and middle class. They were born and grew up long ago. How relevant are the findings to people today?
When we look at personality characteristics, the participants are not so different from people in a developed country today. These were all smart kids but they ran the gamut of educational and career success. Personality characteristics don’t vary according to IQ. It would have been great if the sample had more ethnic diversity, but we fortunately had almost half girls. Nobody looked at girls in the 1920s. When we look at other studies with a more diverse sample — none go back 80 years — we see our findings are confirmed.
Maybe the ones who lived longer just had better genes.
We didn’t have genetic data for our sample but because we have the full-spectrum of a life span, we are able to look at all these other factors. Certainly genetics plays a role but these other characteristics also play a very big role.
What about exercise? Do nerds live as long as jocks?
Yes, they do. People who were active early in life often feel they’ve built up a bank of activeness that will protect them. We found that’s not the case. Being active in mid-life and later was important regardless of what you did early on.
The other important thing, if you don’t like going to the gym or jogging, we recommend you don’t do it. These participants tended not to jog or have formal exercise regimens. We found that the people who stayed active were doing the things they liked, maybe playing tennis, gardening, skiing, woodworking, and they were more likely to be consistent.
You say that being sociable doesn’t necessarily help you live longer, but social connectedness does. That’s confusing.
Envision a social butterfly with lots of casual friends. A sociable person doesn’t necessarily have the kind of deeper, emotional connections that are protective.
After doing this research, how have you changed your life?
I’m a workaholic and it used to bother me that I wasn’t doing myself any favours. I would hear that from my parents. Now I don’t worry about it. I‘ve always valued my friends, but now I value them even more, recognizing how vital they are to my own well-being, not just my happiness but perhaps my life span.