Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to M A Gray.
Herbs have been used by man since antiquity for the prevention and treatment of illness. In the past few years, an increased interest in herbs seems to parallel the back-to-nature movement in the United States. While many herbs can be helpful, others pose potential threats. An examination of the cultural roots and general uses of herbs can prove helpful to the nurse conducting a patient interview.
Unlike other vitamins, Vitamin E probably has received less attention in the past because humans are not likely to suffer from deficiency disorders. This fat soluble vitamin is available in many foods, is easily stored, and is readily reused by the body. The original research carried out in the 1920s found that a Vitamin E deficiency in rats produced problems in their reproductive capacity. The name given to the substance at that time, "tocopherol," reflects this action as it is taken from the Greek word, "tocos," meaning "to give birth."
As the numbers of identified viruses increase, it is expected that one of the classifications of medications receiving a great deal of attention is the antivirals. To understand the difficulty in developing these medications, the nurse must understand some of the basic principles underlying the way viruses develop, multiply, and cause disease. This article discusses some of those principles and presents the medications now available to treat viral diseases.
It is suggested that some 16 million Americans have diabetes, although about only one-half of them are diagnosed. Type I or IDDM diabetics must take insulin in some form to maintain their life. A larger number of Americans have Type II or NIDDM, and many can be treated with a combination of diet and exercise. Many of the Type II diabetics will need to take oral medications at some point in their life and a somewhat smaller number may find that they must use insulin injections if they are to maintain good control of their diabetes. This article describes the historical events leading up to the present therapeutic options for both Type I and Type II diabetics. Also included is a list of drugs that are in the research phase at the present time as well as a list of internet sites where the practitioner and patient alike can keep up to date on new developments in the treatment of diabetes.
Tuberculosis is an old disease, and for some time thought to be almost eliminated in industrial societies. With the advent of the AIDS epidemic, it has made a comeback and often in a form more virulent than was seen in the past. This article summarizes the drugs used to treat the disease and suggests ways nurses may help keep this once underestimated problem in control.
Obesity is a major health problem in the United States. It is not only a problem in itself, but it is a predisposing factor for many chronic illnesses. Pharmaceutical houses have devoted much research in the development of drugs to combat the problem. While diet and exercise continue to be the first line of defense, many diet drugs are available on the market to help an individual lose weight. This article discusses some of the theories that appear to explain the development of the overweight condition and provides basic information on the drugs currently in use.