What is nelfinavir, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Nelfinavir is an oral medication that is used for treating infections with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It is in a class of drugs called protease inhibitors that also includes indinavir (Crixivan), amprenavir (Agenerase), ritonavir (Norvir) and saquinavir (Invirase, Fortovase). During infection with HIV,...
What is a gluten-free diet? Anyone who has had to follow a gluten-free diet has seen a huge change in the availability of these foods. What was once only found in specialty stores and known by very few people has now become a very popular diet trend. Products and restaurants are proudly displaying their gluten-free...
Cleansing and detox diets introduction If you're looking for a way to lose weight quickly and feel better (and who isn't?), you might be tempted to try a fad "detox" diet or a "cleanse" method." These diets start with a fast, followed by a period of consuming only raw vegetables, fruit, juices and water. Most...
A little fiber history Fiber became a household word back in 1970s when Dr. Denis Burkitt, a man nicknamed the Fiber Man, and his colleagues made “the fiber hypothesis” that states that fiber can prevent certain diseases. Through their work in Africa, they discovered that diseases that were common in the Western cultures were not...
Recreational water illness (RWIs) facts Contrary to popular belief, chlorine does not kill all germs instantly. There are germs today that are very tolerant to chlorine and were not known to cause human disease until recently. Once these germs get in the pool, it can take anywhere from minutes to days for chlorine to kill...
How is plastic made and identified? How many times a day do you use something made from plastic? I can guarantee that it's more than you think. Plastic has been a part of our lives for over 100 years, and its use continues to grow. In 2002, about 107 billion pounds of plastic were produced...
Guinea worm disease facts* *Guinea worm disease facts by John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP Dracunculiasis, more commonly known as Guinea worm disease (GWD), is a preventable infection caused by the parasite Dracunculus medinensis. In 2011, only four countries reported cases of GWD: Chad, Ethiopia, Mali, and South Sudan. Anyone who drinks standing pond water contaminated...
Guinea worm disease facts* Picture 1: CDC drawing of the Guinea worm disease life cycle. *Guinea worm disease facts by John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP Dracunculiasis, more commonly known as Guinea worm disease (GWD), is a preventable infection caused by the parasite Dracunculus medinensis. In 2011, only four countries reported cases of GWD: Chad, Ethiopia,...
What is Stiolto Respimat, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Stiolto Respimat is a combination of inhaled medications used for treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It consists of two medications, tiotropium bromide (Spiriva) and olodaterol (Striverdi Respimat). Tiotropium bromide is an inhaled bronchodilator that enlarges (dilates) airways (bronchi) in the lungs and...
Lewy body dementia facts* Share Your Story *Lewy body dementia (LBD) facts Medically Edited by: Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD Lewy body dementia (LBD) is a disease associated with abnormal deposits (Lewy bodies) of a protein called alpha–synuclein that occurs in the brain and results in problems with thinking, movements, behavior and mood; dementia can...