As we get older, it seems our medicine cabinets collect more drugs: potions, creams, pills, capsules, liquids, you name it. These prescriptions are expensive, even with good insurance and Medicare, so make yourself D-R-U-G S-M-A-R-T with these tips for managing your meds.

D: Different drugs within the same class often have considerably different costs. Manufacturers would like you to think that only your exact, specific drug will work for your condition, but that is not always the case. True, different people react in different ways, but you might be able to substitute a less expensive drug for your condition, such as a standard that has been around for years rather than a new formulation just released.

R: Raise the issue of cost with your doctor, both for new prescriptions and for those you currently take. Your doctor probably doesn’t know what kind of insurance you have or whether you must be concerned about drug costs. With some drugs today costing $100 for a single pill, you don’t have to be embarrassed to ask.

U: Use a pill splitter if your doctor says it’s OK in your case. Much of the cost of some medications is in the individual tablet rather than in the strength. You might be able to purchase twice the dosage for little more than your current prescription, split each pill, and reduce medicine costs by nearly half.

G: Generics are sensible substitutes for many brand-name medicines. Thousands of drugstores and grocery pharmacies now offer 30-day supplies of generics for $4 or 90-day supplies for $10. Both your doctor and your pharmacist can tell you if there is a generic version of the drug you take.

S: Samples your doctor offers free are tempting and can be welcome, but manufacturers supply those to sell prescriptions. Be sure that specific free drug is the best one for your condition.

M: Make sure you tell your physician about ALL the medications you are taking, including such simple things as daily multivitamins, fish oil capsules, and herbal supplements. If you have to see a specialist for a new illness or problem that has come up, take a written list of all your prescriptions and supplements with you. Possibilities for drug interactions increase as your list of meds grows, so don’t take chances on trying to remember everything you take.

A: Ask why you need another drug if your doctor prescribes one. Ask if that is the best drug and if it is FDA-approved for your specific condition. Some drugs are prescribed for conditions or age groups other than those for which it was originally formulated, based on anecdotal evidence that it sometimes helps for this other purpose. If this turns out to be the case with your new med, ask for evidence that it is effective in your case.

R: Remember to tell your doctor about any side effects you have from any of your medicines, especially from new prescriptions. Even though drugs are tested extensively on hundreds of thousands of people, a variety of adverse side effects accompanies each medication. Perhaps only 2% of the population experiences this side effect, but if you are one of the 2%, the side effect can seriously deter your recovery.

T: Take all of your prescribed drug, and take it correctly. If it is temporary, such as an antibiotic for a sore throat, don’t stop taking the drug halfway through because you begin to feel better. Some of those nasty little fellows remain in your body, even after you feel better, and they continue to grow. This is one way antibiotic-resistant bacteria appear. They are weakened but not killed by the medicine, so they recover and become stronger when the drug is stopped. Medicines you take regularly are equally important. Your condition won’t be well controlled if you don’t take the correct amount of the drug.

Copyright 2009 Linda Manley

Table paper refers to the rolled paper you have likely seen in medical offices protecting exam tables. Used sections of this paper can easily discarded and replaced with a new section between patients, making it a convenient and indispensable product for use in medical offices. While table paper is most commonly used in medical facilities, it also has variety uses outside of the medical industry. It can help prevent contamination and make for easy cleanup between patients in school clinics. Many tattoo shops also use it to promote a clean environment for all clients. It is also sometimes used to create an added level of protection in day cares.

Medical grade table paper serves a few important functions. It creates a barrier between a person and an exam table, providing a first level of defense against contamination. It also protects exam tables from moisture and dirt, and allows for a quick and easy transition between patients or clients. Quality table paper is resilient enough to provide optimal protection while resisting tearing.

When purchasing table paper, you will find that there are a few options to choose from. ‘Smooth’ is the smooth textured type most commonly found in medical offices. ‘Crepe’ has more of a rough texture for greater comfort and is more absorbent than smooth medical paper. Crepe textured paper is known for being quieter than smooth paper, making it a popular option for medical offices striving for optimal patient comfort. Some manufacturers produce printed versions for use in areas such as pediatric offices. Rolls of paper are available in a variety of widths to accommodate different exam table sizes. When purchasing, ensure that you purchase the correct width to fit the table for which the paper is intended.

Are there acne scar healing methods that can work for sensitive skin? There are many options for acne scar treatment available today, such as injections, laser treatments and therapies, dermabrasion and microdermabrasion, and chemical peels. These may be effective for normal skin, but for those of us with sensitive skin, these procedures are a much higher risk.

Why? If simply using a new skin care product line causes redness, inflammation and skin rashes, than what will some of these other more invasive acne scar healing treatments do to your sensitive skin?

There are no easy answers and there is no one best acne scar treatment. Each of us is unique and your skin may not behave the same as other people who may appear to be similar. Many people with sensitive skin have bad reactions to most acne medications and so you may need to find some other options!

First, you need to have your acne under control so that you don’t have new acne pimples to add to the existing scars.

What then can you do to make those terrible acne scars go away? Once your acne is under control, The answer to this question will depend on what kind of acne you have.

* Mild acne appears as whiteheads or blackheads on the skin and it generally does not leave scars, IF you don’t pick at them or pop them.
* Moderate acne appears as red pimples with white centers. These can sometimes leave scars but not always.
* Severe acne creates very painful lumps or cysts filled with pus and are much more likely to cause scars.

Acne Scar Healing for Mild Acne

If can avoid picking at or popping your pimples, many acne scars will fade on their own. You do need to be patient with the process. It can take up to a year for them to fade completely.

Eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, taking antioxidant supplements and drinking plenty of pure clean water will help your body to rejuvenate itself and to heal your skin.

Use a good quality chemical safe, non-toxic, hypoallergenic skin care product line will help to heal acne and acne scars. Even sensitive skin can respond well to a comprehensive and gentle cleansing and toning skin care routine that safely exfoliates and rejuvenates your skin.

Acne Scar Healing for Moderate Acne

Moderate acne has more of a tendency to leave behind acne scars, so one of the things you can do to prevent this is to use a good acne home remedy for scars while you have the acne, and after the pimple has gone. HOme remedies generally have just one ingredient and some are mild enough to work for sensitive skin.

Some effective and affordable homemade acne scar treatments for sensitive skin include:

* Ice cubes
* Baking soda
* Yogurt
* Oatmeal
* Aloe Vera
* Honey

Even natural ingredients can cause skin irritation, so please test out these homemade acne scar healing remedies on the inside of your arm first before you use them on your face.

Recent research suggests that you significantly reduce your acne outbreaks and speed the healing process by changing your diet. I know this is not as easy as simply putting on a new acne facial cream, but I promise you, it WILL help reduce your acne. When I was a teenager I completely cleared up my acne by switching to a more natural, whole foods diet!

Start by eliminating processed and refined foods, which are loaded with sugar, salt, artificial colorings and dyes. Replace these foods with fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, lean meats and fish.

Some nutritional supplements can also be helpful in supporting your body’s natural rejuvenation and healing process. Antioxidants and essential fatty acids, Vitamin C and zinc are especially helpful for skin healing.

Acne Scar Healing for Severe Acne

Severe acne may require help from a qualified health professional. If you STILL have severe acne even aafter eating a healthy, whole foods diet, using a non-toxic hypoallergenic skin care line, taking supplements, and avoiding foods which tend to trigger your acne outbreaks, then it is time to seek out help.

A dermatologist or medical doctor can advise you about surgical treatments options for acne scar healing for your sensitive skin. naturopathic doctors, holistic medical doctors or practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine have access to a wide range of traditional and alternative treatment to heal acne at the root of the problem, and to maximize your body’s innate self healing mechanisms.

The good news is, there IS help for acne scar healing, and your body has an amazing capacity to rejuvenate and repair itself!