There have been many modern advances in the world of health care, and research has unlocked many mysteries when it comes to medicine. One of the areas that has seen some advances is the treatment of substance abuse, where professionals are learning how best to treat individuals addicted to drugs or alcohol. But still today, the number of lives affected by drug abuse and alcoholism is increasing, and many people have turned to prescription opiate such as hydrocodone or oxycodone, and it really hasn’t gotten much easier to help those people get sober. It is still a long, hard process that often lasts a lifetime.

Drug detox, and particularly opiate detox, can be a very scary and difficult thing. The reality is that no matter what method they choose, drug addicts still have to go through it if they are going to be sober. A few modern techniques have been designed to make the process easier, however.

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In 2002 I began to experience heart palpitations. I was driving my vehicle down the road to have coffee with a buddy. I felt relaxed and I was not aware of any stress in my life. As I pulled up to a light that was just changing to red, my heart took off. I felt as though I was going to pass out. I could see things going black. I quickly slammed the vehicle into ‘park’ just in case I blacked out.

I remember coughing a couple of times and thinking “what the hell’s going on?”. Fortunately, by the time the light when green, I was coming out of it enough to chance proceeding. It passed in minutes and I put it behind me. But it scared me like nothing else has ever done!

Two hours later, while having coffee with my friend, the rapid heart rate returned. I could not continue. I told my friend I had to go to the hospital and I got up and left. I drove myself to the emergency ward, which was only two miles a way. I had a heart rate of 220 beats per minute and felt like I was about to die. (more…)

You and your family can save a lot of pain, worry, and money by avoiding health problems in the first place. If you can’t prevent a problem altogether, the next best thing is to discover it early, when it is easy to treat. Here are Ten ways you should do to stay healthy.

1. Immunize. Immunizations are the best bargain in health care. When you immunize, you prevent illness for your family and help prevent epidemics in your community. Follow this link for Immunization recomendations
2. Keep Moving. Any way you define it, fitness is essential to good health. Even moderate exercise makes a huge difference both in how you feel and what illnesses you get.
3. Eat Right. Eating a well-balanced, low-fat diet of wholesome foods will keep you energetic and free of many illnesses. Consider breast-feeding your baby to help keep him or her in the best health.
4. Control stress. Even with a hectic and hurried lifestyle, you can prevent stress from undermining your health.
5. Be smoke-free. Smokers who quit gain tremendous health benefits. So do people who avoid secondhand smoke.
6. Avoid drugs and excess alcohol. When you say “no” to drugs and limit what you drink, you prevent accidents and illnesses and avoid a lot of problems for yourself and your family.
7. Put safety first. Safety at home, at work, and at play; safe driving; firearm safety; and safe sex will all help keep you healthy.
8. Pursue healthy pleasures. Take naps, relax during meals, play with kids, care for a pet – they all can add to your health.
9. Think well of yourself. A good self-image is the foundation of good health.
10. Promote peace. Peace on earth begins at home. Seek nonviolent ways of resolving conflicts at home, at school , at work, and in your community.