Spectacles for vision correction, protection and aesthetics

Spectacles or Eyeglass

Spectacles, also referred to as eyeglasses are lenses borne in frames made of plastic or metal worn for various purposes. These eyeglasses could be used for eye protection, vision correction or just for aesthetic purposes.

Eyeglasses for eye protection

Eyeglasses can be used for protection from flying debris, abnormally strong light like those originating from welding or for protection from light from sunlight. Eyeglasses for protection from flying debris are called safety glasses. Eyeglasses for protection from extra strong light are called flash goggles. Eyeglasses for protection from sunlight are called sunglasses. Sunglasses have darkened lenses to provide protection from bright visible light. Sunlight have invisible components including ultraviolet light which can harm the eyes and contribute to the formation of cataract eventually leading to blindness.

Eyeglasses for vision correction

Not all have perfect vision. Impaired vision include myopia (short-sightedness), hyperopia (long-sightedness) or astigmatism. Such eyeglasses which have lenses with power prescribed by opticians are referred to as prescription glasses. Prescription glasses with lenses which are darkened for protection against strong sunlight are called prescription sunglasses.

Medical Billing: Background and Medical Billing Providers

Medical Billing: Background

Purchasing medical insurance is a common practice for those wise enough to provide for the possibility of falling sick and thus need care. There are also health care providers who provide the medical services for such person. However, the bills for those covered by insurance is paid by the insurer, not the insured. In the United States of America, it is common for companies to provide medical billing services and they act as intermediary between the health care providers and the insurance companies. This allows those who provide medical care to concentrate what they do best and leave the business of billing and collection to those providing medical billing services.

Medical billing is a complicated process which start with the patient visiting the doctor who will record the patient's medical history, symptoms and where appropriate, a diagnosis and treatment. According to Wikipedia, the level of service is determined by qualified staff and translated into a five digit procedure code from the Current Procedural Terminology. The verbal diagnosis is translated into a numerical code as well, drawn from the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Edition, or ICD-9. These two codes, a CPT and an ICD-9. These procedure and diagnosis codes done by the biller who then transmit the claim to the insurance company frequently electronically by formatting the claim as an ANSI 837 file and using Electronic Data Interchange to submit the claim file to the insurer either directly or via a clearinghouse.

The claim will be evaluated by the insurance company based on patient eligibility, medical service provider credentials and the necessity of the medical treatment, and if approved, payment will be made. Those not meeting their criteria will be rejected. The medical provider (or the medical billing service), upon receiving the rejection, study it and make corrections where applicable and resubmit a claim. This may occur multiple time and may result in full or partial reimbursement.

The frequency of rejections, denials, and claims adjustment ("provider write off" or "contractual adjustment") is high and obviously a physician will not like to be burdened with such paperwork and hassle of negotiating with the insurance companies.

Medical Billing Companies

The convoluted process described above may be the reason why there are many medical billing companies acting as intermediary between the medical service provider and the insurance companies. One of them Prefered Health Resources which probably had been founded in 1997 based on the year the co-founders started serving. Prefered Health Resources, quoted a recent article in Dermatology Times which stated that a claims adjustment rate of between 20% and 35% is considered good and acceptable. Prefered Health Resources claims to having achieved an adjustment rate which is consistently lower, in the case of Medicare, as low as 12%. Having a proper software, Preferred Health Resourses Practice Management System, to help them provide the medical billing services probably helped them achieve such commendable claims recovery rate.

Preventive Health Care: Does it Exist?

Preventive Health Care: Does it Exist? by Barbara Morris, R.Ph.

True preventive health care is nonexistent for most Americans. That's because traditional medicine focuses on treatment of symptoms, and that's not prevention. Our health care system operates like the old barn door – it's left open and then the farmer tries to figure out why the horses ran off.



Preventive or "alternative" medicine is available, but it's not the norm. You have to be informed enough, open minded enough and have enough money to get it. If you find a traditionally trained physician who integrates alternative medicine into his or her practice, and still takes your insurance, you are in luck.



Most often you will not be in luck because alternative practitioners are usually fed up with the traditional system. Part of their gripe is dealing with insurance providers who dictate what medications the insurer will pay for. So doctors stop taking insurance. The result is that patients seeking alternative medicine must either pay the entire cost of care or do without.



Our overburdened health care system is controlled by the pharmaceutical and insurance industries. The pharmaceutical industry holds the "solution" (prescription drugs) to medical problems. That prescription drugs usually don't cure a condition doesn't matter. Drug companies are not interested in finding cures. A cured condition does not require medication. No profit it that!



However, it is profitable just to manage symptoms (high blood pressure for example) with medication for years, or until the patient changes lifestyle habits or the patient dies.



If you think about how long it is taking to find a cure for cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer's and other devastating diseases, you must conclude that something doesn't add up. We are the most technologically and scientifically advanced country on the planet and it still takes forever to find cures.



Take the amount of time and money spent over the years to find a cure for cancer. Yes, there are cures (which often become relapses), but treatments that poison the entire body in an effort to get at the cancer and usually end up killing the patient are barbaric. There has to be a better way.



Look how long we have been dallying with Alzheimer's disease. Research money provided by corporations and advocacy organizations continues to fund the same unproductive "plaques and tangles" theory as the cause of AD.



At the same time, credible Alzheimer's research at universities (with the help of government funding – not usually the pharmaceutical industry) clearly shows there is a probable answer to AD but more research needs to confirm preliminary findings. Why isn't promising research followed up by the entities that claim to want prevent or cure AD?



This brings me to a true story. The husband of a close friend, Mary, was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. In the early stage, he had some hand tremor but what was most disturbing to Mary was evidence of cognitive decline. A math whiz, her husband now had difficulty with simple arithmetic.



The doctor said medication was not yet indicated. He could offer nothing to help the cognitive problem. Mary asked if I knew anything that might help.



I had recently seen research that showed progression of Parkinson's could be slowed a staggering 44 percent by taking 1,200 mg. of CoQ10 a day. (Normal daily dose is 50-150 mg). The Life Extension Foundation protocol for treatment of Parkinson's indicates up to 3,000 mg daily. There are no known side effects or contraindications for high doses of CoQ10.



Mary started her husband on 1,200 mg a day and about two weeks later bumped up the dose up to 2,400 mg.



Within a month, her husband's cognition was almost back to normal. Was it luck? Was it a "miracle" that would have occurred without the CoQ10, or was it the CoQ10 that produced the benefit? Will the improvement last?



Shall we wait for Alzheimer's advocates or the pharmaceutical industry to fund adequate trials of CoQ10? We should not hold our breath. CoQ10 is not patentable.



When the traditional health care system fails us all we can do is take personal responsibility and act on our own behalf to the best of our ability.



Taking personal responsibility includes developing a prevention-oriented mindset – learning how to stay well without reliance on a health care system that talks a lot about prevention but doesn't seem to know how to provide it.



Barbara Morris is a pharmacist and author of Put Old on Hold. Visit her web site, http://www.PutOldonHold.com and sign up for her free newsletter and receive a complimentary copy of special report, "Twelve Diva Tested Tips for Fabulous Skin."




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A Guide to Common Herbs

A Guide to Common Herbs by Jacky

Herbs are nutritional foundation nutrients and good alternative medicine to nourish the body's deepest and most basic elements. Medicinal herbs have been used safely and effectively since the time of recorded history for an endless list of reasons from health, healing, weight loss/gain/maintenance, to survival and more. Herbs can offer the body nutrients it does not always receive, either from a poor diet, or environmental deficiencies in the soil and air. They are great body balancers that help regulate body functions.



The benefits of herbs are many and varied. Even the once skeptical traditional medical community is starting to embrace alternative medicine practices using herbal remedies and healing philosophies and practices incorporating herbal medicine and medicinal herbs. Chinese herbs have been used by the Chinese for over 4,000 years to promote health and as healing agents.



Chinese Herbs are taken as tonics to enhance physical and mental well being. Since the dawn of man, herbs have been used for healing purposes and to promote wellness. Today, herbs are still the alternative medicine and primary source of health care for 80% of the world.



Here are some of the more well-known herbs and plant products and their modern uses.



Herbs Modern Uses

Bilberry Fruit Extract, Vaccinium myrtillus Various microcirculatory conditions. Night blindness and poor ability to adapt to bright light.

Cascara Sagrada Aged Bark, Rhamnus purshiana Constipation.

Cayenne Pepper Fruit, Capsicum annuum Carminative, diaphoretic, counter-irritant.



Cranberry Fruit, Vaccinium macrocarpon Prevention of urinary tract infections.



Dong Quai Root, Angelica sinensis Various menstrual disorders.

Echinacea Herb, Echinacea purpurea As supportive therapy for colds and chronic infections of the respiratory tract.

Evening Primrose Oil, Oenothera biennis Conditions related to deficiency of essential fatty acids (e.g., chronic fatigue syndrome) and alcoholism.

Feverfew Leaf, Tanacetum parthenium Treatment of migraines, fever, menstrual disorders..



Garlic Cloves, Allium sativum Elevated levels of cholesterol in blood and as a preventative measure for age dependent vascular changes.

Ginger Root, Zingiber officinale Modern Use: Prevention of the nausea and vomiting of motion sickness, dyspepsia, stomachic.



Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract, Ginkgo biloba Memory deficits, dementia syndromes. Improvement of distance and pain-free walking in peripheral arterial occlusive disease. Vertigo and tinnitus.



Asian Ginseng Root, Panax ginseng Tonic for invigoration and fortification in times of fatigue and debility, physical or mental exhaustion, stress, inadequate resistance to infections.



Siberian Ginseng Root, Eleutherococcus senticosus Tonic for invigoration and fortification in times of fatigue and debility, also during convalescence.



Goldenseal Root, Hydrastis canadensis Catarrhal conditions of the upper respiratory tract associated with colds and flus. Mucosal inflammations.

Gotu Kola Herb, Centella asiatica Improved memory. Venous insufficiency.

Grape Seed Extract, Vitis vinifera Microcirculatory maldistribution of blood flow. Altered capillary fragility and permeability. Anti-inflammatory.



Green Tea Leaf Extract, Camellia sinensis Chemopreventative. Hypercholesterolemia.

Kava Kava Root Extract, Piper methysticum Conditions of nervous anxiety, stress, and restlessness. Sedative and sleep enhancement.

Licorice Root, Glycyrrhiza glabra For catarrhal conditions of the upper respiratory tract and gastric/duodenal ulcers. Bronchitis. Adrenocorticoid insufficiency.



Milk Thistle Seed Extract, Silybum marianum Toxic liver damage, and for supportive treatment in chronic inflammatory liver disease and hepatic cirrhosis.



Saw Palmetto Berry Extract, Serenoa repens Urination problems in benign prostate hyperplasia stages 1 and 2.



St. John's Wort Herb Extract, Hypericum perforatum Mild to moderate depressive states.



Valerian Root, Valeriana officinalis Restlessness, sleeping disorders based on nervous conditions.



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Rhinitis – Natural Remedies To End The Misery Of Rhinitis

Rhinitis – Natural Remedies To End The Misery Of Rhinitis by Alvin Toh

Rhinitis is a general term to categorize irritation or inflammation in the nose. The main symptom of rhinitis is a runny nose. Other symptoms that may be present are nasal congestion and post nasal drip.



Rhinitis is caused by an inflammation or irritation of the mucous membranes in the nasal passages. One of the most frequent causes of rhinitis is the common cold. A cold causes the mucous membranes to produce more mucus and swelling of the nasal passages. Other causes of rhinitis include allergies or environmental irritants. The discomfort of rhinitis can interfere with daily activities.



There are some natural remedies that can put an end to the misery of rhinitis. Natural cures are often favored because they are not habit-forming and generally do not have side effects associated with conventional drug medications. Natural rhinitis remedies are useful for treating children as well as adults.



A nasal wash or irrigation can be particularly helpful in reducing the amount of mucus in the nasal passages. Saline solution is used to irrigate the nose. There are two methods for using a nasal wash. Lean over the sink, with the head down. Cup some saline solution in your hand and inhale the solution into the nose, one nostril at a time. Spit the excess into the sink and gently blow the nose. The other method uses a syringe or nasal irrigation device to insert the saline into the nose.



Acupuncture has had positive effects on allergic rhinitis symptoms. A qualified acupuncturist can treat congestion and excess mucus associated with chronic rhinitis.



Drink plenty of water every day. Water helps the body flush out germs and bacteria so it acts as a natural body cleanser. Water also keeps the mucus thin and more able to be flushed away. Cut back on the intake of mucus producing foods such as dairy products as well as processed foods. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables that are high in nutrients and vitamins.



There are a number of herbal cures that are effective in treating rhinitis. Taken as a tea, a tincture or in capsule form, these herbs help treat and prevent rhinitis. You should be able to find these herbal remedies at your local health food store.



Butterbar possesses the same properties as antihistamine but without the drowsiness associated with the latter. It is useful for treating seasonal allergies and stopping excess mucus production.



Grapeseed extract is also known as a natural anti-histamine. It inhibits the release of histamine in the body. For allergy sufferers, grape seed extract provides relief from a various allergic reactions, including rhinitis caused by irritants.



Reishi is an ancient Chinese healing herb that enhances the immune system and promotes overall good health. It contains ganoderic acids that inhibit histamine release, thus helpful in treating rhinitis caused by allergies. It can be taken daily with no ill side effects.



Collodial silver is a natural antibiotic that is effective against bacteria, virus and fungi. Unlike prescription antibiotics, the body develops no tolerance towards it.



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Wheatgrass? What's not to like?

Wheatgrass? What's not to like?
by Marcus Martinez

The health benefits of wheatgrass juice have been documented since the 1930s. It juices every cell in the body and has a hand in the health of the heart, digestion and energy supply.

Chlorophyll and Haemoglobin

The effects of wheatgrass are attributed to its high chlorophyll content - over 70 percent of the plant's solid content is chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is a plant's version of haemoglobin, which is the part of red blood cells that carries oxygen in humans. Chlorophyll and haemoglobin are similar in structure, the main difference being that in harmoglobin the central element is iron (which gives our blood the red color) while in chlorophyll it is magenesium. Chlorophyll converts sunlight into energy, which is stored in the plant - a reason why wheatgrass juice is sometimes nicknamed 'liquid sunshine'.

A Powerful Antiseptic

Chlorophyll is a powerful antiseptic and detoxifying agent, explaining why wheatgrass has been used successfully for a variety o finternal and external infections (e.g. sinusitis), as well as to hasten skin grafting and wound healing as a gargle for sore throats and to prevent tooth decay, and in bowel cleansing programs. Research also indecates chlorphyll has anti-mutagenic properties, and therefore may be able to inhibit or reduce cancer formation.

Vitamin-rich Superfood

Wheatgrass contains vitamins (A, C, E and various Bs), amino acids, antioxidant enzymes that aid in fat, carbohydrate and protein metabolism, minerals (calcium, magnesium, iodine, iron, manganese, potassium and selenium), plus it's a good source of MSM, a sulphur containing molecule that reduces inflammation and allergy-type reactions and detoxifies the body. Enthusiasts who take it regularly often comment on the energy 'hit' they get from wheatgrass; this is most likely a combination of teh concentrated nutrition present and its detoxification properties.

Research Briefs

• Thalassemia Major. This hereditary disease affects the harmoglobin in red blood cells. Patients are usually dependent on repeated blood transfusions and are at risk of anemia, spleen enlargement and bone marrow problmes. An Indian pilot study (2004) found that taking 100 ml of wheatgrass juice daily dramatically reduced the transfusion requirements of patients with thalassemia major - by over 25 percent in half the patients in the study, and by over 40 percent in thress cases. The average interval between transfusions also incrased by 29.5 percent.

• Foetal Haemoglobin. A wheatgrass extract has been used in a preliminary trial at the Murdoch Children's Hospital in Melbourne, Australia. The extract was tested on cells to see if it could cause a significant increase in fortal haemoglobin. (This harmoglobin develops in the foetus and has an extremely high affinity for oxygen. After birth it is not so essential and the levels fall in adults to only around two percent of our total haemoglobin.) The trial found that using the wheatgrass extract over a 5-day period suggested a 3 to 5 fold incrase in the production of fortal haemoglobin. This could explain why some thalassemia patients in the Indian study experienced benefits from the juice although it also indicates these benefits are not due to the chlorophyll content, as the extract contains almost no chlorophyll.

• Ulcerative Colitis. A 2002 double-blind Israeli study showed that regular use of wheatgrass juicecan be useful in the treatment of active ulcerative colitis. Patients took either 100 cc of wheatgrass juice or a placebo daily for a month. Treatment with the wheatgrass juice was associated with significant reductions in the overall disease activity and in the severity of rectal bleeding.

User's Guide

Wheatgrass is widely available at juice bars, health food shops and cafes. You can also buy wheatgrass sprouter kits from healthfood stores and juice your own sprouts at home.

When drinking wheatgrass juice, mix it well with your saliva before swallowing - this improves digestion as well as supporting oral hygiene.

Please visit Naturopedia.com for more on natural health and healing. Click here for the original article.

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Natural Health Choices

Natural Health Choices by Lambert Klein

With all of the health issues saturating the internet, perhaps it's time we look to a more natural health in our daily lives. Recently, I had the opportunity to view Qi Gong, a meditative exercise which brings calm and balance within. Used for 4000 years by the Chinese, it has become an effective and proven way to achieve health and well-being.



Qi, pronounced Chi meaning life force; and Gong, meaning exercise.



It comprises slow moving motions which not only heal the body, but the mind as well. Modern medicine, while necessary for certain diseases, cannot come close to Qi Gong in providing the body with increased energy and physical health.



These gentle breathing, stretching and strengthening movements activate the Qi energy and blood circulation in your body, helping to stimulate your immune system, strengthen your internal organs, and give you abundant energy. Qi Gong can be practiced either in a sitting or standing position, and anyone can engage in these simple and effective exercises in as little as fifteen to twenty minutes a day.



Instead of deriving assistance from unnecessary drugs and stimulants; using our own bodies as instruments for change can occur. It seems as if we have become more dependent upon drugs to treat ailments than listening to our bodies. This is not to say diseases can be treated using this method; but certainly stress and other problems which sometimes incapacitate us can be dealt with differently and effectively.



Subliminal messaging CDs are becoming more popular; whether they actually help or not is up to the individual. However, meditation has been around for thousands of years, and yoga has always been a favorite among those who seek alternatives to pills and other conventional methods.



It seems to this writer we have to find our way back to a simplistic lifestyle, where stress and worry have no place to invade our minds and spirit. This may sound naïve, but evidence has shown that meditative practices are effective.



Upon a visit to a big city, one tourist remarked, "Why is everyone rushing around? Where are they going?" No truer words were spoken. Our lives, admittedly, are stress filled; with both parents working to pay the bills; save for a house or their kids college education; with the high cost of rents and oil; trying to meet deadlines at work on a daily basis; it's no wonder everyone is tightly wound. Eventually, it will catch up with all of us.



To this end, maybe it's time to find a balance; a way in which we can live life to the fullest and still achieve the goals we set. It's a question we all need to answer in our own way.



Join us at Think Healthy Forums and learn or teach about natural healthy
http://www.thinkhealthyforum.com/



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