Tuesday, November 16, 2010

HPV Linked to Cervical Cancer

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is now recognized as the main cause of cervical cancer. Epidemiological studies conducted over the past 30 years have consistently indicated that cervical cancer risk is strongly influenced by sexual activity, number of sexual partners, age at first sexual intercourse and sexual behaviour of the woman's male partners.

HPV (human papilloma virus) infections are the most common STDs (sexually transmitted disease) today. HPV infection is a transient or intermittent phenomenon. This range is greater than that for the association between smoking and lung cancer and is comparable to that of the association between chronic hepatitis B and liver cancer. HPV testing is in adjunct to Pap smear screening. 

Cigarette smoking is a well-known risk factor for cancer. Cigarette smoking has a direct carcinogenic action on the cervix. Nicotine metabolites can be found in the cervical mucus of women who smoke.
There is an excess risk of cervical cancer associated with long-term use (12 years or more) of oral contraceptive use. The association is somewhat stronger for adenocarcinomas than for squamous cell carcinomas. Adenocarcinoma is a glandular tissue carcinoma. Squamous cell carcinoma is caused when the squamous cells morph in size, shape and quantity.
 
Women who use oral contraceptives undergo more frequent gynecological examinations. Additionally, are more likely to have disease detected earlier than those who do not use them. The accuracy of properly assessing the effect of oral contraceptive use stems from the fact this variable is highly associated with other risk factors, such as sexual activity and history of Pap smear screening.
 
Intake of foods high in beta carotene, vitamin C and vitamin A may reduce the risk of cervical cancer. Such as leafy green vegetables, fruits, yams etc. Although there are no routine screenings for HPV, you should visit your Gynecologist on a yearly basis for routine Pap Smears. There are preventative measures you can to ensure you are protected.

Good Health,
Trisha M. Pacenti RN,BSN
http://www.nurseinsagent.com/

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

The Need for Life Insurance

On a personal note. I was a 16 year old nurse's aid employed in a nursing home when I experienced death for the first time. I was caring for a terminally ill patient in her end of life stages when she took her last breath. I remember standing there feeling helpless. "what can I do to help her?" Nothing. Throughout my years of health care experiences and personal experiences of losing family members, friends and acquaintances, I appreciate the fragility of life and life is never taken for granted. 

 I recently attended a funeral. I overheard family talking about "bills" and "debt". Meanwhile, the deceased is only 30 feet away lying in his casket. Unfortunately this family is robbed from going through the mourning process in a healthy manner. 

The survivors left behind must go on living their life remembering the life of those gone. There is an emotionally draining transition from the immediate loss of life until time softens the pain. When there is a financial loss due to the death, the transition for the survivors is much more complicated and traumatic.

Wondering how to pay their next bill, buy food, medication, pay for everyday life's necessities quickly takes priority over mourning. This family was left in a dire financial situation that could of easily been avoided by having life insurance in place.

Taking care of  family for years to come after death, is one of the better gifts one could ever provide. Having a life insurance policy in force is a selfless act of love. My condolences to the family.

Trisha M. Pacenti RN,BSN
www.nurseinsagent.com

Monday, November 1, 2010

Florida Residents Go Without Health Insurance

It seems that more and more people in Florida are losing their health insurance. This is happening either because they lose their jobs or because they choose not to have it.

According to a report issued by the Washington consumer advocacy group Families USA some 3,500 people in Florida remain without health insurance. By the end of the year the number is expected to to reach 185,000. Across the country it has been estimated that 2.3 million more Americans will be without health insurance coverage. This makes the recent moves by the Senate Committee, Congress and the president on speedy health care reform more justified that the nation needs a comprehensive health care reform making it affordable so all can have access.

According to the study, between 1999 and 2008 the average premium for health insurance for a family has increased by 119 percent from $5.80 a year to more than $12.60. These increases have led many employers to discontinue or reduce health care benefits. Simply put, providing insurance for employees has become a financial buden for employers. The American employer is a victim of increasing taxes thereby making it difficult to do business.

Under the COBRA law when a person loses employment, the individual may remain with the health insurance company for many months by paying the total premium. This has proved prohibitive for the majority of the unemployed as the cost is very high. When you lose your job, you pay for your COBRA insurance's full cost. You cannot modify the plan as it is a group insurance policy. Some people who had coverage for themselves and their spouses while working now are forced to leave out protection for the spouse because of the high cost of the premium.

In the state of Florida, the unemployment rate rose to 10.2 percent, with the consequent loss of health insurance coverage. The good news is, is that there is affordable health insurance without compromising quality and the plans are written to fit your individual needs.

Visit http://www.nurseinsagent.com/ to learn more about high end, affordable plans today. You and your family could be covered in as little as 1 week. Don't delay. Get the process started.

Good Health,
Trisha M. Pacenti RN, BSN
drugstore.com, inc.