Responsible online pharmacies need to do their part to minimize access to prescription drugs for American teenage population, says DoctorSolve.

Vancouver, B.C. (PRWEB) April 5, 2006 -- The Partnership for a Drug-Free America® (http://www.drugfree.org/) recently announced that there is a new category of substance abuse emerging in America. An alarming number of teenagers are turning to prescription drugs to get high. "For the first time, our national study finds that today's teens are more likely to have abused a prescription painkiller to get high than they are to have experimented with a variety of illicit drugs," said Roy Bostock, chairman of the Partnership.

What's the appeal of prescription drugs for teens? They are perceived as safe when compared with street drugs. They are legal, doctor-prescribed and easily accessible.

"There is no shortage of ways for teenagers to find prescription drugs," says Dr. Paul Zickler of DoctorSolve (http://www.doctorsolve.com/), an online pharmacy service. "The easiest place to look is the medicine cabinet." Many of the most commonly abused prescription drugs such as Morphine, OxyContin, Ritalin, and Vicodin are being prescribed by doctors at alarming rates. A study by the Columbia University found that between 1992 and 2002, the number of prescriptions written for controlled drugs increased 154 percent. "Grandparents and parents need to secure their meds, particularly if their prescription drugs are sought after by teenagers and have the potential for abuse."

In addition, teens have ready access to prescription drugs over the Internet, particularly from uncertified online pharmacies with very loose policies and procedures - or more likely, none at all. "As stewards of the international pharmaceutical industry, reputable online pharmacies such as those certified by the Canadian International Pharmacy Association (CIPA) (http://www.ciparx.ca/) need to ensure that we are doing everything we can to keep our medicines from falling into teenage hands," says Zickler.

At DoctorSolve, strict procedures and on-site medical professionals help to combat the problem. "We absolutely insist that each order is accompanied by a doctor's prescription, so we know the request is coming from an actual patient. Our nurses speak directly to all new patients, and then follow up at six-month intervals. Our attending doctor communicates with the dispensing pharmacies about the dosage and amounts prescribed for each patient, and makes sure the patient is not getting meds elsewhere. This helps to eliminate any chance of 'doctor shopping'- going to several doctors with the same symptoms to get multiple prescriptions."

What's more, the DoctorSolve medicine chest does not include the prescription drugs that teens are typically after. "We do not sell any drugs that have a risk of abuse, such as regulated narcotics, synthetic narcotics and stimulants, or unregulated drugs that are hypnotics, such as sleeping pills and anxiety pills like Valium," states Zickler.

"Unfortunately prescription drugs developed to be life savers for many can potentially be killers for others. We are in business to provide affordable medications to those who need it the most. We must do what is in our power to stop this worrisome trend - to protect the online pharmacy industry in general and our patients in particular."

DoctorSolve, a Canadian Internet-based pharmacy intermediary (license #BC Q37), offers lower cost, long - term prescription drugs. A professionally registered pharmacist fills all prescriptions. A certified member of the Canadian International Pharmacy Association, DoctorSolve is ranked as one of the best online pharmacies by PharmacyChecker.com. DoctorSolve has filled more than 200,000 U.S. prescriptions.

For more information, call 1-866-732-0305 or visit: http://www.doctorsolve.com/

Rather than just covering up the symptoms, Relenza is a medicine used to treat influenza at it's source. Relenza attacks the flu virus and prevents it from spreading inside your body.

Who can take Relenza?

If flu symptoms have appeared within the last day or two, you or anyone in your family above 7 years of age may consider taking Relenza.

Common symptoms of the flu include sudden onset of fever, headache, fatigue, cough, body aches, and sore throat. Always talk to your doctor to find out if the medication is right for you or your family members.

Who should not take Relenza?

People with asthma and other lung diseases should not take Relenza, as they may be at a higher risk of developing a dangerous breathing problem called bronchospasm.

You should not take Relenza if you are allergic to zanamivir or any other ingredient found in the medication. Also make your doctor aware if you have any type of chronic condition including lung or heart disease, if you are allergic to any other medicines or food products, or if you are pregnant.

How fast does Relenza work?

For adults and children with the flu that take Relenza, recovery time is approximately one day faster on average than those who choose not to take it.

How should Relenza be stored?

Relenza should be kept at room temperature below 77 degrees Fahrenheit (25 degrees Celsius). Keep Relenza out of reach of children as it is not in a childproof container.

What are some common side effects?

The most common side effects in adults and adolescents have been:

• headaches


• nausea


• diarrhea


• vomiting


• nasal irritation


• bronchitis


• cough


• ear, nose, and throat infections


• dizziness

For children side effects can be:

• ear, nose, and throat infections


• vomiting


• diarrhea

If side effects persist or worsen while taking Relenza, please be sure to contact your doctor.

What is high blood pressure?

High blood pressure comes from blood pushing to hard against your blood vessels. Although it is still unclear as to why high blood pressure occurs, there are several known factors that contribute to this condition.

• Obesity


• Eating too much salt


• Drinking too much alcohol


• Lack of physical activity


• Stress


• Race


• Family


• Age

What is angina?

• Climbing stairs or a hill


• Going outside on a cold day


• Eating a big meal


• Smoking


• Sexual activity


• Emotional stress

What are the side effects of Norvasc?

• Tiredness


• Headache


• Dizziness


• Feet or ankle swelling

Research has shown that 4 out of 5 H. pylori-negative (bacteria known to cause peptic ulcers) patients on NSAIDs remained ulcer-free after 12 weeks.

What are some symptoms of acid reflux disease?

The most common symptom of acid reflux disease is persistent heartburn.

Other symptoms may include:

• A sour taste in your mouth


• Difficulty swallowing


• Coughing or hoarseness


• Belching or regurgitation


• Chest pain not related to your heart

You might want to re-think diets where counting calories is involved. According to new research this isn't the best way to lose weight.

Although his study is too small to be definitive, a Brigham Young University researcher states that "intuitive eating" will help you shed those pesky pounds - sounds tempting doesn't it?

In the small study, conducted by food sciences professor Steven Hawks, 15 female college students were identified as intuitive eaters and 17 were not. Both groups were then tested to determine how healthy they were.

Test results showed that lower body mass index, lower triglyceride levels, higher levels of high-density lipoproteins (carry cholesterol through the blood stream) and decreased risk of cardiovascular disease were all found to be significantly related to intuitive eating.

Most people have great success with intuitive eating and find that they feel free around food, eat what they want without feelings of withdrawal, attain and maintain their natural weight and eat healthy. But most importantly there comes a feeling of vitality and acceptance of one's body.

The 3 main steps to intuitive eating for healthy weight loss:

• embrace body acceptance and a view that dieting is harmful.



• learn how not to eat for emotional, environmental and social reasons.



• interpret your body's signals, cravings and hunger while responding to them in a healthy and positive way.

CLARITIN contains an antihistamine - a type of medicine that blocks the action of histamine, a natural substance in your body that is released by your immune system during an allergic reaction.

What is an allergy?

An allergy is a response by your body's immune system to something that is generally harmless. When you come into contact with these ordinarily harmless substances - pet dander, pollen, dust, and mold - the immune system overreacts. People who have this reaction have "allergies".

Can you outgrow your allergies?

Allergies, for most people, are grown into not out of. While some people can become less sensitive to certain substances simply by avoiding them, it is nearly impossible to avoid exposure to certain pollens, molds, and dust.

Are they allergies or a cold?

Eventhough colds and allergies may seem the same, symptons of seasonal allergies usually last longer than that of a cold - usually 7 to 10 days. If your mucous is runny and clear, sneezes occur in rapid succession, eyes, ears and mouth are itchy, and you are not noticing any fever or muscle ache...you probably have an allergy.

Some simple guidlines to help with your allergies:

• Start taking CLARITIN as soon as symptoms start. Keep it close at hand, you never know when an allergic reaction may happen.
  
• Know your foe. Understanding what sets off your allergy symptoms will help you decide how to avoid it.
  
• Beat the clock. Peak pollen production occurs between 5 AM and 10 AM , so try to plan outside activities at other times of the day.
  
• Check the daily forecast. Try to avoid the outdoors when counts are high. After heavy rains pollen has been washed from the air, making post-shower outings more comfortable. Watch out for dry, windy days when pollen can be particularly intense.
  
• Always use as directed. Be militant about taking medications according to the directions on the package. Dedication to correct times and dosages is crucial to your treatment plan's success.
  
• Mask your symptoms. Sure it may not look pretty, but giving yourself some relief by wearing an inexpensive painter's mask when you're working in the garden will be a blessing in disguise.
  
• A quick change will do you good. Pollens that may have collected on your hair or clothes can be taken care of with a fast shower and changing your outfit.
  
• Be wise when it comes to washing. Removing pollen can be done nightly by showering and washing your hair. Don't line-dry clothes outside.
  
• Keep the air clear. While driving, roll windows up and set the air conditioner on recirculate. At home, keep windows closed. Use air-conditioning and change filters often.

CLARITIN is an over - the - counter medication, making it easier for you and your family to beat those nasty seasonal allergies.

How birth control pills can help control menstruation.

Most women live comfortably with monthly menstruation and appreciate the predictability of the cycle. A monthly cycle will often reassure women that their bodies are working as they should. But for many, menstruation can be painful, incapacitating, and an annoyance that can disrupt daily activities.

One way of taking control is menstrual manipulation, this refers to changing the way birth control pills are taken to delay or stop menstruation. For women who are able to take oral contraceptives this is good news.

Often women will take the traditional combination oral contraceptive consisting of 21 pills of estrogen and progestrin, followed by 7 days of inactive pills (placebos)- with bleeding occuring in the placebo week. By taking the birth control pills continously for six, nine or 12 weeks and following with a week of inactive pills, periods are delayed to week seven, 10 or 13 respectively. Taking active birth control pills continously will stop menstruation altogether.

Is it wrong to skip your period permanently?

There are no known adverse consequences of never having a period while on combination birth control pills. However, determining the long term effects of extra hormones on women is still being researched. If continuous use leads to less days with periods, the real issue is how important predictability is for women.

Why are women seldom offered the choice to skip their periods?

Not all doctors accept this practice, so the issue remains debatable. Also, some women - even if they have menstruation related problems - like to keep their natural cycle. It gives them the reassurance of not being pregnant.

What are some common side effects of birth control pills?

Limited studies have shown that extended OCs (oral contraceptives) have the same side effects as conventional OCs, such as:

• breast tenderness


• nausea


• headache


• mood changes


• leg cramps


• acne


• bloating


• weight changes

• severe abdominal pain


• chest pain


• coughing up blood


• shortness of breath


• sudden and severe headache


• eye blurring or loss of vision


• severe leg pain

You blink an average of 15,000 times a day. Still, pollen can get in your eyes. For seasonal allergy sufferers, pollen can cause allergic conjunctivitis - that's when your eyes get red and swollen.

Experts at National Jewish Medical and Research Center in Denver offer these techniques to get the red out:

• Wash your hands. During high allergy season, pollen is everywhere. You get it on your hands opening a car door, running your hands through your hair, or touching other outdoor surfaces. If you rub your eyes with those pollen-coated hands, they will only get more irritated. Washing your hands frequently can reduce the amount of pollen that gets in your eyes.
• Use saline rinses or artificial tears. These can provide significant relief by removing or diluting the pollen grains in the eye.
• Wear sunglasses. Sunglasses can reduce the amount of pollen that gets in the eyes by deflecting the wind carrying it toward you.
• Close the windows and use the air conditioner. This can reduce pollen floating in the air both in the house and in the car.
• Apply cold compresses. A bag of frozen peas or a moist washcloth that has been placed briefly in the freezer can reduce both itching and swelling when put on the eyes.
• Medications. Several medications can also help people whose eyes bear the brunt of their seasonal allergies. For people with mild symptoms, oral antihistamines can prevent irritation of both the eye and the nose. For those with more severe allergic conjunctivitis, doctors can prescribe a number of medications that can be applied directly to the eye. Talk with your doctor to learn what would work best for you. Use medications throughout the pollen season, not just once in a while, for best effects, especially before you're exposed to pollen.

• prevent widespread influenza outbreaks in shared living facilities, such as nursing homes and college dormitories
  
• provide protection during the period of time needed for the flu shot to take effect
  
• protect individuals who are unable to receive flu vaccinations. (If you are pregnant or allergic to eggs, ask your doctor about whether or not you should get a flu shot.)

Helpful tips to beat the flu.

• Rest.
  
• Drink plenty of fluids.
  
• Temporary relief ( ie. pain relievers - such as acetaminophen).
  

Are antibiotics a cure for the flu?

No. Antibiotics are only useful in the treatment of bacterial infections. The flu is a viral infection. Tamiflu and other antivirals are the only prescribed medications that can treat the flu.

Side effects of Tamiflu.

Although generally well tolerated, Tamiflu may cause mild-to-moderate nausea or vomiting. Some less common side effects include bronchitis, vertigo and sleeplessness.

If symptoms persist or become worse consult your physician.

PHN is not the same for everyone. You may experience mild or very severe pain. It may be that the pain happens all the time or comes and goes.

Side effects of Neurontin

Some of the most common side effects are:

• Dizziness
• Vision problems
• Clumsiness
• Sleepiness
• Shaking or tremors
• Swelling of hands or feet
• Weakness
• Diarrehea

NEURONTIN may cause side effects that can be mild to moderate in severity.
If any new or unusual symptoms develop while taking Neurontin, be sure to contact your doctor.