The supermodel and a celebrity chef Padma Lakshmi told the story of how she got that 7 inches long scar on the arm. She made the world know how the scar appeared on her otherwise flawless body. She revealed that she had met with a car accident when she was just 14 years old. The accident was very bad and she had to struggle very hard to come out of the car. However, in an effort to get out of the car, she got some injuries over the body and one of those injuries resulted in this scar on her forearm. The scar, that is 7 inches in length, keeps reminding her about the dreadful accident and her struggle against it. Initially, she was quite conscious of that scar. She used to stand in front of the mirror and try different poses to hide the scar. The confident model initially tried to hide the scar. But, today, she has accepted that the scar is a part of her and it is a symbol of her struggle and survival. She is confident enough not to hide the scar from anyone. The Padma Lakshmi scar story has become a benchmark of courage for everyone in the modeling industry where the smallest of flaws can end careers.

However, there are many others who may have had an accident, perhaps worse than the one Padma Lakshmi had, who do not want accident scars on their body. They would like to seek treatment for those scars especially when they are over more visible areas like the face. Some forms of therapies for accident scars are given below –

• Chemical peels: These are chemical substances that destroy the epidermal matter in a controlled fashion. This causes exfoliation of the scar area and reduces the visibility of it. The choice of chemicals depends upon the depth of the scar and the patient’s sensitivity to these chemicals.
• Filler injections: Injections of collagen are used in atrophic scars to raise them till the level of the normal skin. However, there is a risk of allergic reaction and further disfigurement in this.
• Dermabrasion: It involves abrasion or removal of the superficial surface of the skin with the help of local anesthesia.
• Laser treatment: Abrasive lasers can be very effective in atrophic scars after accidents, just like dermabrasion. Non-ablative laser treatment may be used for hypertrophic scars as well as for keloid formation after accidents. It helps to make the skin smooth by heating and distributing collagen, at the same time avoiding damage to epidermal area. This requires several sessions for better results.
• Radiotherapy: Superficial radiotherapy in low doses helps in cases of hypertrophic scars and keloids and also prevents repeated attacks of them. Several ugly scars after accidents can be successfully removed by radiation.
• Steroids: Severe cases of accident scars require local steroidal injections under the supervision of expert health practitioner. They are specifically useful in hypertrophic scars.

The steroidal injection is administered directly into the scar to avoid the systemic side effects of steroids. The procedure should be repeated at an interval of 4-5 weeks for better results.

• Surgical intervention: Some scars need to be surgically removed by performing excision. A combination of treatment with surgery and laser treatment can give very effective and permanent results.

The story of Padma Lakshmi’s scar has taught everyone to fight any circumstances. It is a lesson to those unfortunate individuals who had to face bad accidents, and are living with scars on their body. She has proved that there’s no need to be ashamed of the scars of experience. However, people can have relief, as various modes of treatment are available to them to get rid of the scars, in case they wish to.

Many doctors, patients and also U.S. agencies are on edge due to the shortage of certain lifesaving drugs. It is reported that doctors are facing an acute shortage of a chemotherapy drug, Methotrexate, which is a commonly used medication for treating cancer in children and also in adults. The agencies are scrambling to see that the supplies are secured. Even the patients and their families are left puzzled as to why these medicines, which have been available over several years, are suddenly unavailable. Many patient-advocacy groups are demanding Congressional action so that the regulatory and economic issues leading to this problem can be handled immediately. Because of the urgency, US Agencies work hard to cope with Methotrexate shortages across the country to avoid delays in the recovery of many cancer patients.

Methotrexate is a drug used for chemotherapy in children suffering from lymphoblastic leukemia. It is also essential for treating bone cancer. Methotrexate came as a great boon, offering hope to children suffering from acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The drug could cure the disease with a success rate of 85%. However, the shortage of Methotrexate has now left the patients in the lurch. Due to the unavailability of Methotrexate, many physicians are forced to use other less effective drugs for their patients. In many parts of the country, the treatment of cancer patients has been halted. In some hospitals, physicians are trying hard to cope with the issue by changing the treatment plan of their patients.

The shortage of Methotrexate has probably come about due to the shut down of its production by Ben Venue Laboratories Inc. at the Bedford, Ohio, manufacturing complex, in November, after FDA expressed its concerns about the product safety.

The root of the problem can also be traced back to the backlog of several applications pending with the FDA. Although many drug manufacturers had submitted their applications for the production of this drug, the agency did not have financial support for reviewing the applications and for inspecting the factories. The matter was aggravated as most of the applicants’ factories were located abroad. Apart from this; the manufacturers of such generic drugs are not very enthusiastic about expanding their production of these drugs, which are not used by a large population, because such drugs do not fetch much profit for them.

The FDA has been trying to deal with drug shortages by encouraging the manufacturers to issue a warning regarding an impending shortage. The FDA has commented that it has averted a shortage of several medications after President Barack Obama signed an order emphasizing the need for early notification of shortage problems.

To ease the issue, the FDA has temporarily allowed shipments from India of some of the drugs. The FDA said that it will give permission to such imports on occasions when the shortage of drugs is critical and no suitable alternatives are available. The FDA has also approved the production of Methotrexate by a new manufacturer.

Some hospitals recently received a supply of Methotrexate after the Ben Venue plant was allowed to release an existing batch of the drug by the FDA. Though the supply is enough to manage the treatment of patients for the next few weeks, it is still unclear when the next batch of Methotrexate will arrive so that the treatment can be continued without interruption.

To help patients in this difficult situation, our medical website, Emedoutlet, has taken up an initiative to supply Methotrexate, free of cost, in 20 ml vials (500 mg) per patient till the 15^th of April. Patients can benefit from this facility provided they have a valid prescription for this drug, from their doctor.

Please go to our website emedoutlet.com for complete details on how to benefit from this offer.

Please visit our Facebook Page to share it and help us reach as many needy patients as possible.

Medicare provides affordable health insurance to American citizens who are 65 years of age and above. It is a subsidized health insurance initiative which has been launched by the U. S federal government. Medicare provides health insurance benefits for people suffering from chronic kidney disorders and other disabilities. Many people what to know – can Medicare coverage be lost and what do they need to do in situations where they lose their Medicare coverage? Well, in case Medicare Coverage is lost, members can always regain the health benefits by following some simple procedures and with the help of some guaranteed issue rights which are laid down by the government.

Medicare is divided into four different parts which are as follows:

• Medicare Part A covers expert medical services and hospital stays.
• Medicare Part B covers outpatient care and costs of blood tests etc.
• Medicare Part C or Medicare Advantage covers everything in parts A and B with the help of supplemental plans that are offered by private insurance companies which have been approved by Medicare.
• Medicare Part D provides coverage only for prescription drugs.

At times, Medicare members may lose their cover due to certain situations. In case Medicare coverage is lost, they are often confused with regards to what needs to be done in order to regain their health benefits. According to the new government laws, Medicare members should not lose their health insurance benefits. Mentioned below are circumstances wherein Medicare coverage cannot be continued as well as the necessary steps that are needed for reinstatement:

1) In case Medicare coverage is lost due to the following reasons, members are eligible to return to Original Medicare and also opt for a Medicare supplement plan within 63 days:

a. In case the Medicare Advantage Plan ends and does not provide coverage in your locality.

b. In case a member relocates to an area which is not in the Medicare Advantage service area.

c. In case a member voluntarily opts to leave a plan.

2) In a situation where a member is no longer eligible for health benefits under the Social Security Act, they are guaranteed a Medicare supplement plan which can be got from any issuing company provided they apply within 63 days from loss of coverage.

3) If Medicare supplement coverage is lost due to the reasons mentioned below, the member is eligible to buy another Medicare supplement policy. However, the policy will be issued by the insurance company only if the member applies within 63 days of losing the health benefits:

a. If the insurance company violates certain policy provisions

b. Involuntary end of coverage

c. If the insurance company is bankrupt or declares insolvency and you lose the coverage due to no fault of yours

4) If employees are enrolled under a group health insurance plan and the plan terminates the coverage due to some reasons, individuals have the right to get a Medicare supplement policy and choose from Plan A, B, C, F, K or L. Even though a member suffers from any health problems, the insurance company issues the policy if the application is submitted within 63 days after an employee loses the coverage.

All the rights mentioned above help senior citizens as well as disabled members to enrolled with Medicare and follow the right procedure in case Medicare coverage is lost, thereby helping them get back their health benefits.
It is hoped that this brief post has answered your queries regarding can Medicare coverage be lost and helped you to understand what you need to do. In case of further queries, members can always contact the Medicare centre.

The Internet has been of great help for patients who want to get health related information. Although there are plenty of websites that provide valuable information about health, some of them are really helpful due to their unique presentation and the availability of the latest data. The top 10 health sites are mentioned in this article as given below:

• Yahoo! Health: this is a favorite health site and provides information about a vast range of topics like skin care, beauty, mental health, sleep disorders and weight loss. It also provides information about pregnancy and parenting. Men’s health, women’s health and nutrition are also covered on this popular website.

• NIH: this website belongs to National Institute of Health. It provides well structured information depending upon the system or part of the body involved. It also provides valuable information regarding substance abuse, lifestyle, hair care and sexual health. Some very important topics covered on this website are reproduction, food and nutrition. It also has information about various procedures for the treatment of some disorders along with their symptoms and manifestations.

• WebMD: this website covers most of the common disorders like allergies, colds, arthritis, asthma, backache, joint pains and heartburn. This site also has information about several mental disorders like ADHD, anxiety disorders, depression and bipolar disorders. Patients can check this website for getting the latest information regarding fitness, teen girls’ health, parenting, etc.

• MedicineNet.com: this health site has very good information about rare disorders. It gives detailed descriptions of several disorders including their etiology, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. It also has essential information pertaining to the health and care of pets.

• MayoClinic.com: this site belongs to Mayo Clinic. It is a very good site where patients can find information about latest research in various medical fields.

• Drugs.com: as the name suggests, this popular website gives all the information about the drugs. The description of each drug on this website includes indications, usage instructions, missed dose, overdose and precautions. Pill identifier is a very useful tab on this website that helps patients in knowing the different strengths and forms in which the medicines are available that makes it easier for them to order the medicines.

• everydayHealth: all health related categories are included on this site. It has a tab for symptom checker in which patients can get probable diagnosis of the conditions depending on the symptoms they are suffering from. This website also has tools for checking BMI to help patients to calculate their Body Mass Index correctly.

• WrongDiagnosis: this site tells patients about different disorders, their symptoms and the modes of treatment suitable for them. Some very good topics covered on this website are triggers for migraine, long term treatment of schizophrenia, treatment of psoriasis, the latest information on COPD and treatment of aphasia.

• MedHelp: this website is touted as the world’s largest health community. Information pertaining to ADHD, arthritis, asthma, bipolar disorders, flu, depression, breast cancer, hypercholesterolemia and fibromyalgia can be found on this website. Patients can check this health site for getting information about disorders related to all the systems of the body. It covers most skin, cardiac, gastrointestinal, sexually transmitted and hormonal disorders.

• HealthGrades: this website can be of great help for patients in finding good hospitals, doctors and other healthcare facilities in their locality.

Apart from this, there are some other very good health sites, which sell some essential drugs like Lipitor and Toprol XL.

It has become imperative for all people to get covered under health insurance plans as the cost of healthcare, like medicines and hospitalization, is rising day by day. Medicare health insurance provides the essential health insurance coverage to the patients. However, there are many patients who are looking for Medicare alternatives as they are not completely satisfied with the coverage provided by it. Some reasons for seeking substitutes for Medicare are given below:

• The cost of co-pays may be high with Medicare for some patients.
• The drug coverage provided by Medicare is insufficient for some patients.
• Some patients are not happy with the response they receive from the service providers of Medicare.

Patients who are looking for Medicare alternatives can select from the options given below:

One very good alternative for Medicare is Medigap. Patients can get complete health insurance coverage by opting for a Medigap policy. Patients can also opt for a combined policy with Medicare and Medigap that helps them in getting benefits provided by both the policy providers.

Medigap advantage plan: a combined policy of Medicare and Medigap helps patients who are not satisfied with the amount of deductibles and co-pays offered by Medicare. Such patients can choose Medicare part C that covers a broad range of prescription medicines belonging to all major categories. Besides this, they can also get the Medigap policy. This helps patients in covering their healthcare expenses to a great extent. Patients can purchase these Medigap policies from those private insurance companies which have been approved by Medicare. By combining these policies, patients can manage the deductibles and co-pays in a better way.

Medigap option: patients also have a choice of keeping their original Medicare health insurance policy as it is. In addition to that, they can opt for the Medigap policy. This option is highly beneficial for those patients who need extensive coverage for health related costs due to any chronic disorder that necessitates huge ongoing expenditure on costly medicines and hospitalization.

However, patients should know that though the Medigap policy is regulated by Medicare, it is not considered as a government plan. The Government has formulated a standardized approach for Medigap policies. It has 11 different plans that are labeled in different alphabets. The coverage of these policies is different from that of Medicare. Patients can select a plan depending on the coverage of each plan and their requirements. The benefits provided by these plans of Medigap are mentioned below:

• The coverage of these plans is standardized and it does not change.
• There is no need for the patients to evaluate the policies every year.
• The policy ensures the patients of guaranteed renewals. However, it is essential for the patients to pay the premium regularly, for availing this facility.
• Medigap policies can be highly beneficial for those who suffer from illness that require huge expenditure.
• Patients have an option of dropping or adding policies at a later period.
• Medigap policies are accepted by all Medicare providers.

However, a Medigap policy does not cover medicines. Also, patients have to pay a premium for 2 policies if they go for this option. This option is not suitable for those who are fairly healthy as their healthcare costs are not very high. Patients are advised to check the different Medicare alternatives and compare them in terms of their benefits before they select one.

Many patients prefer to be covered under part D of Medicare health insurance plan as it helps them in getting their medicines at lower prices. However, most of them are not aware of how to get medicines under the plan they have selected. It should be noted that the medicines that are covered under plan D of Medicare can vary for different plans. But, all the plans contain the medicines required for each major therapeutic category. Hence, patients can be assured of getting the medicines for any illness under their selected plan. Patients can get medicines from all categories, including anticonvulsant, antipsychotic, antiretroviral, antidepressant, anticancer and immunosuppressant medicines, as per part D of Medicare. For getting these medicines, they need to select a plan that accommodates their prescription drugs in the best possible manner. They should also consider the premium they have to pay for these plans, because if they select a plan having a wider range of drugs, naturally they have to pay a higher premium.

The plans also vary depending upon their coverage of generic or branded medicines. Some plans provide coverage of generic medicines and some cover a wide range of branded drugs. If patients want to get branded drugs, they need to pay a higher premium.

Patients can get their drugs under part D of Medicare, depending upon the list of medicines they have selected. However, if their current medical condition does not respond well to these medicines, they have the option of getting other medicines that may be of a higher value. However, for doing this, approval from the physician is needed. If the treating doctor has already tried medicines of a lower cost, or generic medicines, without any satisfactory improvement in patient’s condition and if he feels that the patient needs medicines that are of a higher value, then the Medicare provider can permit the patient to use medicines of a higher cost. Patients can get the medicines prescribed by the doctor only in the quantity specified by him.

Part D of Medicare also contains vaccines. Patients can get commercially available vaccines under this part.

Some patients also have questions regarding how to get medicines under part A and B of Medicare. It is important to mention that part A does not cover medicines prescribed on an outpatient basis. However, drugs that are prescribed to the patient during an inpatient stay are covered by this part. Part B of Medicare also covers a few prescription medicines, to some extent. But, patients have to first pay the deductible amount of the medicine before Medicare pays its share. The medicines covered under part B are those that are administered as a part of physician’s service. Self administered drugs are not covered under this part. Most injections and infusion medicines are covered in Part B.

Part B also covers major vaccinations. Patients can get flu shots and pneumococcal vaccinations under this plan. Apart from this, they can also get hepatitis B vaccines and other vaccines that are needed for treatment of injuries, like the tetanus vaccine, under part B.

Injectable medicines that are used by women for treatment of osteoporosis are also covered under part B. Some other essential medicines that are covered under Medicare part B are antigens, Erythropoiesis-stimulating Agents, Blood Clotting Factors, Immunosuppressive Drugs and Oral Anti-Cancer Drugs.

Medicare includes many parts such as Medicare Part A, which covers skilled nursing facilities, hospice care, Hospital Insurance and some home health care. Medicare Part B covers necessary doctor’s visits, outpatient hospital care, and some physical and occupational therapies. Medicare also includes some other health benefits as well. However, most of these benefits have some eligibility requirements. Mentioned below is a brief overview to answer the question – what does Medicare cover require as prerequisites?

What does Medicare cover require as prerequisites?

Medicare Age Requirement: Everyone is eligible for Medicare once they turn 65 years of age. You need to have worked in Medicare covered employment for a minimum of ten years. You should be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident. Individuals can also be eligible for Medicare under age 65 if they have a disability or if they have end-stage renal disease requiring a dialysis or kidney transplant.

Medicare Enrollment Choices: Shortly before turning 65, you will be notified by the Social Security Administration regarding your Medicare eligibility. Since most people don’t pay a premium for Medicare Part A, they often enroll in Medicare Part A as soon as they are eligible. There is a premium for Medicare Part B which is deducted from the Social Security, civil service retirement or railroad retirement check. In case either you or your spouse is still working and have health insurance provided by the employer, you can decline Part B coverage until retirement.

Medicare Enrollment Periods: Individuals can enroll in Medicare three months before they turn 65 and for four months after their birthday. In case someone does not enroll in Medicare Part B when they turn 65, they can get themselves enrolled during the general enrollment period which is from January 1st to March 31st every year. Individuals can enroll by visiting the local Social Security office or calling the Social Security Administration. When you enroll during this period, the benefits would begin from July 1st. In case you retire and the health coverage provided by your employer ends, you have eight months starting from the end of coverage in order to enroll in the Medicare Part B without paying a penalty.

Medicare Advantage and Supplements: Whenever you enroll in Medicare, you have the option of enrolling in the Medicare Advantage plan or Medicare Supplement plan as well. A Medicare Advantage plan provides all the benefits of Medicare Part A and B, and generally includes Medicare Part D benefit for prescription drugs as well. The Medicare Supplement plan offers additional benefits to Medicare Part A and Part B. Medicare advantage as well as supplement plans are managed by private insurance companies, and you might need to pay a premium to the insurance companies in addition to paying a premium for your Part B plan. Individuals can enroll in these plans when they enroll in Medicare and can make changes only during the Annual Election Period.

Exceptions for Medicare eligibility: There are 2 medical circumstances in which an applicant can qualify for Medicare even before they turn 65 years of age. If someone has Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, the Medicare benefits start the first month after they receive SSDI monthly income benefits. In case someone is suffering from renal disease or permanent kidney failure, undergoing dialysis or awaiting a kidney transplant, then they are also eligible for Medicare. People who are suffering from end stage renal disease or ESRD receive Medicare coverage within 3 months of their first dialysis treatment, irrespective of whether they have applied or qualify for SSDI.

You can also contact the local health insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program to know more about what Medicare cover requires as prerequisites.

Marathon runner Paula Radcliffe was influenced by her father, who was an amateur long distance runner, to take up long distance running at the age of seven. Even at this very young age, her resolve and determination was evident as despite suffering from asthma she just brushed aside the issue and hit the road with a vengeance.

As luck would have it Paula Radcliffe got a talented and dedicated coach in Alex Stanton and from then on there was no looking back. At the national level her first race was at the age of 12, where out of 600 girls she was placed 299^th. In the same race, one year later, she finished fourth. This was just the beginning of her astonishing triumphs she was to achieve later on in life.

Some major successes of Paula Radcliffe:

Stood 15^th in the World Junior Cross Country Championships in 1991

Ranked 1^st in the World Junior Cross Country Championships in 1992

3000 m in Seoul, South Korea, World Junior Championships – ranked 4^th

World Cross Country Championships in Spain – ranked 18^th

3000 m World Championships in Germany – ranked 7^th

World Cross Country Championships in England – ranked 18^th

5000 m World Championships in Sweden – ranked 5^th

3000 m IAAF Grand Prix Final in Monaco – ranked 4^th

World Cross Country Championships in South Africa – ranked 19^th

5000 m Olympic Games in USA – ranked 5^th

5000 m IAAF Grand Prix Final in Italy – ranked 4^th

World Cross Country Championships in Italy – ranked 2^nd

3000 m European Cup in Germany – ranked 3^rd

5000 m World Championships in Greece – ranked 4^th

5000 m IAAF Grand Prix Final in Japan – ranked 3^rd

World Cross Country Championships in Morocco – ranked 2^nd

5000 m European Cup in Russia – ranked 1^st

10000 m European Championships in Hungary – ranked 5^th

The list goes on. Here is an asthmatic Paula Radcliffe competing and winning against other athletes who, in all probability, do not have any such problems. It makes her achievement even more special as asthma primarily affects the breathing of a person and long distance running, if anything requires a very strong respiratory system.

To really appreciate Paula Radcliffe’s marathon feats let us see what asthma is.

Asthma is a condition where the airways get inflamed. Due to this swelling, the passageway of the air is reduced leading to the air trying to force its way in during inhaling and trying to force its way out during exhaling. This causes laborious breathing (wheezing), shortness of breath, coughing and tightness in the chest.

Asthma Symptoms:

• Cough with or without phlegm

• Shortness of breath which worsens with exercise or exertion

• Wheezing sound while breathing

• Tightness in chest

• Chest pain

• Unusual breathing pattern

• Temporary stoppage of breathing

Emergency Asthma Symptoms:

• Severe drowsiness or confusion during an asthma attack

• Increased pulse

• Lips and face turning blue

• Labored breathing

• Sweating

Some Asthma Triggers:

• Dust

• Changes in weather (particularly cold weather)

• Animals

• Chemicals in food or in the air

• Exercising

• Respiratory infections

• Pollen

• Tobacco smoke

• Stress

What asthma does is it affects the basics of living and that is breathing. Its triggers are present everywhere. The slightest contact with any of the triggers and breathing becomes a monumental task. And what is Paula Radcliffe’s vocation? Running, running and more running – right into all the triggers of asthma. And to top it, she has exercise-induced asthma, yet she has conquered asthma.

In Paula Radcliffe’s own words “control your asthma, do not let it control you.” Spoken like a true champion.