Care About Your Body and Health

A number of new drugs have dramatically improved the outlook for AIDS patients. But to gain the full benefits, patients must take a combination of drugs. This often entails taking dozens of pills according to a strict schedule. Adhering to the complicated and costly regimens can not only increase survival, but also improve overall health.

Protease Inhibotors. These newest and most effective AIDS drugs work by blocking protease, an enzyme needed by HIV to replicate itself. Protease inhibitors, which include Crixivan (indinavir) , Norvir (ritonavir), and Invirase (saquinavir), are usually taken several times a day along with other AIDS medications. Missing even a few doses of a protease inhibitor can result in the emergence of drug-resistant HIV strains.

Nucleoside Analogs. Drugs in this class include Viramune (nevirapine), Videx (didanosine) and Epivir (lamivadine), stop HIV proliferation by interfering with the transfer of genetic material.

Azidothymidine (AZT). The first AIDS drug, this gained FDA approval in 1987. It works by interfering with replication of the HIV within the T-cells. AZT is usually given with other AIDS drugs, such as the new protease inhibitors. Anemia and other side effects may limit its use.

Dideoxyinosine (DDI). This drugs is similar to AZT, but it has different adverse effects, such as pancreatitis and nerve problems. Thus, DDI may be taken by patients who are unable to tolerate AZT.

Dideoxycytidine (DDC). Used in combination with AZT, this drug helps to prevent the virus from multiplying.

Erythropoietin. This synthetic hormone stimulates bone marrow cells to produce red blood cells and counter anemia caused by AZT.

Interleukin-2. Infusions of this protein appear to increase T-cell production in HIV-positive individuals who do not yet have AIDS.

Pentamidine. This is an aerosol drug that is inhaled periodically to prevent Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, a common infection among AIDS patients.

Trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole. Marketed as Bactrim or Septra, these antibiotics are taken either to prevent or threat pneumocystis pneumonia.

HIV infection follows an unpredictable course; additional treatments depend upon the AIDS-related diseases or infections involved. For example, AIDS increases the risk of developing cancer, notably lymphoma, Kaposi’s sarcoma, and cervical cancer. Pneumocystis pneumonia is treated with drugs, as is toxoplasmosis, a parasitic infection.

Dance therapy, also called dance/movement therapy, employs movement instead of spoken communication to treat the mentally ill. It is also used to enrich the lives of sightless and deaf individuals, especially children, and can be an important aspect of rehabilitation following a stroke or an injury that hinders motion and coordination.

WHEN IT IS USED

Dance/movement therapists work with individuals who have social, emotional, cognitive, and/or physical problems. They practice in psychiatric hospitals, community day care and mental health centers, correctional facilities, rehabilitation centers, clinics, nursing homes, and geriatric centers. Their work in these last two places is especially important among patients with Alzheimer’s disease and others who may be incapable of ordinary social interaction. Some sports coaches also use dance therapy to improve their athletes’ agility.

HOW IT WORKS

Participants are encouraged to overcome muscular tensions and to become aware of the way in which their feelings can affect their muscles. With the development of this awareness, they become increasingly capable of the wordless expression of inner feelings in the form of movement, usually accompanied by music. As the therapy progresses, the movements can later be interpreted and discussed.

PRECAUTIONS

If you are seeking a dance/movement therapist for personal consultation, remember that only those who have met the requirements for an ADTR (Academy of Dance Therapists Registered) are qualified for private practice.

Chiropractic is a system of treatment based on the belief that the foundation of good health is the unhampered flow of nerve impulses that originate in the brain and spinal cord and then travel to all parts of the body. Therapy begins with analyzing the patient’s spinal column for abnormal alignments of the vertebrae. When such misalignments, called subluxations, are located, they are corrected by manipulation to restore the normal flow of nerve impulses. Many chiropractors also make recommendations about nutrition and exercise, but they do not prescribe drugs or do surgery.

WHEN IT IS USED

Most people consult a chiropractor because of pain that appears to originate in the musculoskeletal system, usually the neck and/or back. For some patients, the pain has come on suddenly, resulting from an injury on the job, in an automobile accident, or while participating in a sport. For others, the pain may be chronic, perhaps the cumulative effect of years of poor posture, a sedentary lifestyle, and increasing weight. Still others may be suffering from job-related muscle and skeletal problems, such as repetitive stress injuries. Individuals with vague, persistent symptoms such as fatigue and headaches also consult chiropractors for both spinal manipulation and counseling on nutrition and exercise.

HOW IT WORKS

The spinal cord gives rise to 31 pairs of spinal nerves, which carry massages to and from the brain and to all parts of the body. These spinal nerves pass through openings in the vertebrae, and when the progress of a nerve is impeded, it is said to be “pinched”. The problem may be the result of an injury, a muscle spasm, a slipped (ruptured) vertebral disk, spinal arthritis, or some other structural abnormality.

With X-rays plus a hands-on exploration of the spine, the chiropractor tries to locate the vertebrae that need realignment. The chiropractic method is most successful in cases in which it is possible to restore normal joint movement by improving anatomical relationships. The intimate hands-on approach may also have a positive effect on healing.

Many practitioners believe that chiropractic can be most effective in treating acute pain of recent onset, before it has reached a chronic stage. Some researchers theorize that when pain is allowed to become chronic, the body loses its ability to produce endorphins, body chemicals that act as natural painkillers. This theory is based on the notion that long-term overstimulation of nerves, which occurs in chronic pain, prevents them from triggering production of painkilling chemicals.

PRECAUTIONS

-          Be wary of chiropractors who describe themselves as holistic healers and make extravagant claims for their cures.

-          Do not substitute chiropractic for traditional medical treatment of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and other organic disorders.

-          Before undergoing X-rays in a chiropractor’s office, make sure the equipment is up-to-date to minimize radiation exposure.

-          Chiropractic treatments are generally safe for everyone, but there are exceptions. Patients who has osteoporosis and other disorders characterized by weak or brittle bones should avoid it.

This ancient healing system from India stresses the mind/body relationship in the maintenance of good health. As in other Asian medical practices, a balance of vital energy, in this case, prana, is considered the key. The system is based on balancing three basic life forces, or doshas- vata, responsible for all movement in the body; pitta, which controls digestion and energy production; and kapha; responsible for the body’s structure and stability. Illness occurs when any of the doshas is out of sync; individuals must know their dominant dosha and follow a diet and lifestyle that keeps it balanced with others.

WHEN IT USED

Unlike Western medicine, which comes into play when illness strikes, Ayurveda is incorporated into a person lifestyle. It governs all aspects of life, such as diet, exercise, and sexual practices. An ayurvedic practitioner is consulted only to identify and correct and imbalance among the three life forces. At ayurvedic clinics in the United States, patients are usually treated by both a Western and an ayurvedic physician.

HOW IT WORKS

Ayurvedic philosophy holds that each person is born with particular ratio of doshas, with one dominating. This dominant doshas determines personality type and also influences one’s susceptibility to certain illnesses. For example, pitta people tend to have fiery dispositions and are prone to developing high blood pressure and digestive disorder, so a pitta-related disease may be treated with a bland diet and numerous herbal remedies. Because the mind is seen as an integral force in maintaining health and overcoming illness, meditation or yoga may also be employed.

PRECAUTIONS

Before agreeing to ayurvedic treatments, ask about costs and cancellation policies. Some clinics ask for advance payment and require two week’s notice of cancellation to qualify for a refund.

The Alexander technique is a training process in which a person learns to identify and change faulty posture and movements. The goal is to free the body of muscular tensions that cause stress and fatigue by eliminating common postural problems resulting from such habits as slouching, holding the head in an awkward position when talking on the telephone, or carrying a heavy bag on one shoulder.

A number of poor posture patterns are the result well-intentioned reminders by parents or teachers to stand or sit up straight. Many people respond by holding their spinal muscles in a constant state of tension instead of aiming for a relaxed balance of head, neck, and torso. Tight or restrictive clothing and high heeled shoes are other common culprits that contribute to incorrect posture and muscle tension.

WHEN IT IS USED

The technique is most frequently recommended as a way of dealing with back and neck pain. It is also used to counteract some of the effects of scoliosis (curvature of the spine) and arthritis, to improve respiratory function, and as an adjunct to breathing exercises for asthma patients.

Some performing artists claim that it has helped them to overcome stage fright; many athletes have found that it not only enhances their skills but also helps reduce the likelihood of sports injuries. A growing number of people who work at computers are investigating the Alexander technique as a way of avoiding stress injuries from repetitive movements, which have become a disabling occupational hazard.

HOW IT WORKS

The Alexander technique is based on the assumption that the body can move freely and naturally only when the head, neck, and torso are properly aligned. This requires awareness of faulty muscular movements and correction of them.

PRECAUTIONS

-          Ascertain that a teacher of the Alexander technique has the proper training and certification.

-          Find out about payment arrangements before committing yourself to a series of lessons.

Acupuncture is a form of healing based on the concept that all body organs are interconnected by channels, known as meridians, and that illness occurs when the vital energy, or qi (pronounced chee), flowing through these channels is partially blocked. A practitioner of acupuncture attempts to correct this imbalance by inserting thin needles along the meridians at designated points, called acupoints, and in certain cases twirling them, either manually or with an electrical device. He or she may combine the treatment with other traditional practices, such as herbal medicine, diet therapy, and massage.

The most effective acupuncturists are said to contribute their own qi during the procedure. Transmission of energy occurs when the needles are inserted and rotated.

WHEN IT USED

While many of the claims by acupuncturists are viewed with skepticism by mainstream doctors, there is increasing recognition of their success in alleviating pain, thereby providing an alternative to painkillers, tranquilizers, and sleeping pills. The use of acupuncture for anesthesia in dentistry, childbirth, and some forms of surgery is under study by a number of Western medical practitioners. Researchers are also looking into its usefulness as a way of easing the pain and increasing the range of motion for people who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Other possible uses of acupuncture include the treatment of allergies, migraine headaches, circulatory disorder, and addictions to nicotine, alcohol, and other drugs.

Interest in acupuncture and other traditional Chinese remedies is increasing in the United States, but their acceptance in Europe is greater. For example, acupuncture is taught in French medical schools and is covered by government health insurance in France and several other European countries.

HOW IT WORKS

There is no parallel in Western medicine for the meridians and acupoints indicated on the traditional acupuncture chart. Within the frame of reference for Western science, it has not been possible to validate the claims of acupuncture as a healing system, nor is there a complete understanding of exactly how it works as an analgesic. Some researchers think its positive effects might result from the release of endorphins, the body’s naturally produced analgesics, triggered by the action of the needles. Although the trigger points for pain and for acupuncture have been labeled differently and were discovered independently, recent research into pain has revealed that they represent the same phenomenon and can be explained in terms of how the nervous system functions.

PRECAUTIONS

-          Anyone contemplating acupuncture should be medically assessed before beginning treatment.

-          Unless your acupuncturists is a licensed M.D. or D.O., or has been recommended by your primary-care doctor, check credentials and training.

Art therapy is the use of visual arts materials to identify and treat emotional trauma and mental disorders. By creating images in drawings, paintings, sculptures, and photographs, patients provide information about suppressed feelings and buried memories that they cannot express with words.
This approach is also an important aspect of rehabilitation programs for people who are recovering from a stroke or an injury affecting hand function. It can help disable people to improve their self-image and depressed or elderly patients to expend their range of expression.
WHEN IT USED
Art therapy is used with patients who cannot or will not employ words to achieve the personal insight that is a corner-stone of traditional psychotherapy. By surmounting language barriers, this therapy can be especially effective with disturbed children and patients who speak a different language from the therapist. It is also helpful in rehabilitating hand/motor skills following a stroke or injury and assessing the progress of a patient by comparing an early attempt at a self-portrait with a similar attempt after physical therapy.

HOW IT WORKS
By providing a patient with a nonverbal means of expressing repressed thoughts and feelings, art therapy can help ease guilt and anger. Sexually abused children often render images whose meaning can eventually be discussed. Through drawings and paintings, a schizophrenic patient may offer the therapist a view into a disordered mind, thus providing some clues for how treatment might proceed.
Art therapy can also enable mentally ill deaf adults to describe early conflicts with family members and to alleviate symptoms of aggression, hostility, and depression. Physically handicapped children, neglected elderly persons, alcoholics, and prison inmates all can be helped to build self-esteem through sculpture, painting, or photography, especially when they see their work exhibited for other people’s appreciation.
PRECAUTIONS
- All art materials used in a therapeutic setting, especially by children, should be nontoxic.
- People with allergies should be especially careful about the contents of paints and solvents.

Aromatherapy is the use of oils from herbs and other aromatic plants to achieve relaxation or relief from a disorder. Depending upon the plant, the aromatic, or essential, oil is extracted from the leaves, flowers, roots, seeds, fruit, bark, or resin and then diluted with water or an unscented oil such as jojoba. These solutions may be massaged into skin, inhaled from steam, added to bath water, or used in a compress.

WHEN IT IS USED

Practitioners treat a range of medical and emotional problems, including headaches, premenstrual tension, muscle pain, skin disorders, fatigue, insomnia, and stress.

HOW IT WORKS

There are two basic mechanism involved – the sense of smell and the absorptive quality of skin. Practitioners contend that inhalation of a certain scent prompts the brain to release neurochemicals that counter stress and fatigue. They also believe that some oils exert a medicinal effect when absorbed by the skin. Medical benefits of aromatherapy have not been proven, however, and doctors generally discount any therapeutic benefits other than a placebo effect and relaxation.

PRECAUTIONS

-          Avoid ingesting aromatic oils used for aromatherapy. Many, such as camphor and yellow jasmine, are highly toxic. Make sure that the oils are stored in a safe place out of children’s reach.

-          Many aromatic oils are highly irritating, especially when used in concentrated amounts or on the delicate membranes of the vagina, rectum, or nasal cavities. Follow directions for diluting the oils, and then test the diluted solution on a small patch of skin on the forearm or thigh. Avoid further use if the oil produces redness, itching, or swelling.