Zocor is an over-the-counter prescription drug that is prescribed as part of the daily diet of patients suffering from high cholesterol. High cholesterol may lead patients to CHD or coronary heart disease if it is unwitting attached with other complications like diabetes, other prior heart condition, stroke, and / or vascular disease. Zocor helps reduce the risk of heart attacks and stroke, helps reduce the need for revascularization procedures (i.e. by-pass surgeries), and ultimately, helps reduce the risk of coronary heart disease mortality. Its generic name is simvastatin, and it is an agent that lowers the number of lipids in the system. Zocor is only prescribed by doctors to patients whose cholesterol level cannot be controlled by a change of lifestyle (i.e. adherence to a specified diet and more exercise.)

Why is Zocor being administered?

Let's back-pedal a bit and find out why doctors prescribe Zocor in the first place.

Lipids are essentially fat, oil or wax substances. These substances are also known as bad cholesterol. They flow through the blood vessels and deposit themselves in the arterial walls of our hearts. These bad cholesterols then harden into plaques which eventually narrow the arteries. This surprisingly common disorder is called Atherosclerosis.

Now, if bad cholesterol still cannot be controlled and the plaques develop clots or if the coronary arteries become too narrow, oxygen-rich blood stalls or stops. Patients then have to go through surgical procedures ranging from by-pass surgeries to heart transplants. In the most extreme cases, the patient's heart fails: this is known as coronary death.

Things your doctor should know

Zocor isn't a drug suitable for everyone. Although it is considered relatively safe, there are reports of rare but serious side effects like muscle pain and inexplicable weakness after ingestion. Zocor may also react adversely to other medications in your system. So inform your doctor immediately if he prescribes or if you request Zocor as treatment.

Advise your doctor if you have: alcohol problem, blood salt imbalance, episodes of seizures or convulsions, hormonal disorders such as diabetes and under-active thyroid, infections of any kind, kidney disease, lactating or breastfeeding at the moment, liver disease, low blood pressure, muscle disorder or condition, pregnant or trying to get pregnant, prior or recent severe injury, recent surgery including dental surgery, and finally, if you have an unusual or allergic reaction to simvastatin, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives.

Also advise your doctor is you are taking one or more of the following drugs, as these can affect Zocor's effectiveness: amprenavir, atazanavir, clarithromycin, delavirdine, erythromycin, indinavir, itraconazole, ketoconazole, lopinavir; mibefradil, nefazodone, nelfinavir ritonavir, and saquinavir.

These medications or cocktail of medications also affect Zocor, namely: amiodarone, barbiturates (i.e. phenobarbital, butalbital, primidone,) bosentan, carbamazepine, cyclosporine, danazol, digoxin, diltiazem, efavirenz, fluconazole, medicines that lower cholesterol or triglycerides (i.e. fenofibrate, gemfibrozil, niacin,) medicines used to stop early pregnancy (i.e. mifepristone, RU-486,) nicardipine, oxcarbazepine, phenytoin, rifampin, rifabutin, or rifapentine, telithromycin, troleandomycin, verapamil, voriconazole, and warfarin.

Studies show that even the innocuous grapefruit reacts to Zocor, as with alcohol and red yeast rice.

This lengthy list of drugs and medications are to serve the discerning Zocor user to an informed choice when it comes to managing his cholesterol count. After all, it isn't the doctor's heart that is on the line.

The title sounds funny, doesn't it?

But friends, as you read through you will find that the content is really valuable. What I mean by invisible reserves are the micro organisms like bacteria, virus, and algae.

All of us know that these microbes make life difficult by their harmful effects. Yet we should not forget the benefits enjoyed by mankind through these microbes.

We benefit a lot from these micro organisms. I would like to list out a few benefits that we obtain from these ubiquitous microbes.

Bacteria: From our daily reserves of curd to our effective digestion process, these minuscule organisms play a great role. To make it more clear, Curd, and for that sense any fermented product requires bacteria or yeast to trigger the fermentation process. Our stomach consists of a bacterial micro flora which helps us digest our food intake.

Algae: It is a well known fact that petroleum reserves from fossil fuels is depleting in a very fast rate. Thus we need an alternate energy source to bridge this gap. Fuel from algae is found to be an efficient alternative. Who knows 2030's Chevrolet may run on algal fuel.

Fungi: Antibiotics are playing a vital role in recovery of severely ill patients by curing them of the infection. Fungi are the micro organisms that act as a source of this valuable compound - antibiotic. To quote an example, penicillin the life saving antibiotic is got from the mold Penicillium notatum.

Similarly viruses are also of many benefits in scientific research. If we could use all the potential benefits rendered by these invisible microbes we have the chances of making more scientific innovations using them.

With the current health care debate currently in the news, I keep hearing that the United States of America unquestionably has the best health care system in the world. Traditional medicine is replete with revolutionary advances that continue to stimulate the imagination of medical professional all over the planet. The way the U.S. treats a trauma patient is simply the best in the world. This is impressive, but when you think about it, most of us will never need this care to save our lives. However, the medical community's handling of non-trauma patients is not impressive at all. The indiscriminate use of prescription drugs is killing more Americans that all other causes of death, while the medical pundits try to convince us that they keep us healthy.

A prime case in point is the careless use of a class of drugs known as statins, which incidentally, is also the biggest selling drug in the world. Revenue from the sales of statin drugs surpasses the revenues collected in all professional sports. In case you did not know, this class of drug has a single purpose, and that is to lower cholesterol levels to an unrealistically low level. I question whether everyone should have total cholesterol levels of less than 200. This is utterly ridiculous for a number of reasons. First and foremost, not everyone is the same, and everyone should not have the same cholesterol level. Secondly, how did the medical experts determine that a cholesterol level over 200 is dangerous for everyone? Last, but certainly not least, the drug companies and medical professionals mislead the public about the dangers of these drugs.

Unquestionably, statin drugs are biological poisons that slowly drain the health from people who take them. These drugs, sold under the name Lipitor. Mevacor and a lot of others, lower cholesterol levels by blocking the HMG-CoA reductase pathway in all human cells. This pathway is essential for the production of cholesterol along with other critical nutrients. Among these is coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). CoQ10 is a potent antioxidant that reduces free radicals in all cells. Co Q10 is also an electron carrier that is vital to the production of energy in the mitochondria, the power plant of the human cell. The mitochondria are responsible to generate the energy that keeps the cell alive. By eliminating the HMG-CoA reductase pathway, the body will produce less cholesterol, but it will also produce less CoQ10. The function of the mitochondria becomes less efficient and limits the amount of energy the cell is capable of producing. Keep in mind that if you totally eliminate CoQ10 the cell will die. If this cellular destruction continues, it will gradually weaken the organism.

A good example appeared in the newsletter of a prominent alternative physician. He received a letter from the wife of a man who lost his health to statin drugs. As the wife explained in her letter, her husband Joe was in excellent health at the age of 77. Joe gardened every day and regularly split logs for his fireplace. He was an active man in robust health. Joe was taking no prescription medication except for a low-dose medication to help his sluggish thyroid. During a routine examination, Joe's doctor prescribed a statin drug. Why this happened just boggles my mind. There is certainly no scientific evidence that warrants recommending this class of medication to a healthy, vibrant 77 year old man.

In the letter, Joe's wife explained how her husband experienced problems beginning in the first month of using the statins. He began to grow confused, something he had never experienced before. Over the next several months, the cognitive dysfunction increased, and Joe also experienced a slight loss of strength in his left arm. One of the common side effects of statin drugs is muscle weakness. Patients taking statin often report weakness and muscle aches. Sometimes, as in Joe's case, muscle tissue became so starved for energy, it simply dissolves. This condition called rhabdomyolysis is life threatening if allowed to continue. This should be no surprise to anyone. A popular statin drug called Baycol was blamed for several deaths due to rhabdomyolysis and was withdrawn from the marketplace.

Think about this. Statin drugs inhibit the production of Co Q10. A lower level of Co Q10 weakens muscle function by reducing energy production within the cell. The heart is the highest energy-consuming muscle in the body and as levels of CoQ10 continue to decline the heart muscle will gradually weaken. If you check the side effects of statin drugs, you will find congestive heart failure on the list.

There is clear and indisputable scientific evidence that blocking the HMG-CoA reductase pathway effectively blocks the body's ability to produce CoQ10. This was uncovered when Co Q10 was first isolated. At the time, this naturally-occurring substance was dubbed ubiquinone because it is present in every cell, in the body. Merck, the pharmaceutical giant and maker of the first statin drug, knew the dangers of statin drugs and that it would cause liver and muscle damage because of the decline in CoQ10 levels. They also knew that taking supplemental CoQ10 would ameliorate, or reverse the negative effects. Because of this, Merck applied for, and received a patent for the use of CoQ10 in the treatment of statin-induced liver and muscle damage. To this date, Merck has not used the patent, nor have they informed or educated doctors about the dangers of statin drugs.

However, what most perplexes me is that doctors have not taken the initiative to inform their patients of this information. Statin drugs cause liver and muscle damage, which will be reversed by eliminating the prescription or taking supplemental CoQ10. Volumes have been written about the adverse effects of statin drugs on the brain and heart. In the less than twenty years statins that have been in use, there has been more than one thousand articles and studies published on the toxicity of this class of drug. That amounts to more than 50 adverse articles a year.

If you are currently on a statin medication, you should talk to your doctor about reducing or eliminating the drug. Many people, including my self, have successfully reduced cholesterol levels through the use of lifestyle changes and natural therapies. Four years ago, during a routine examination, blood test results revealed that my total cholesterol was 233. My doctor suggested that I take a statin drug. I personally do not think that a cholesterol level of 233 for me is high, or a danger to my health; I normally would have just disregarded the advice. However, I thought it would be an excellent opportunity to demonstrate the power of lifestyle changes and natural therapies. I asked the doctor to wait six months while I tried a natural method to reduce the cholesterol levels.

This is exactly what happened to Joe. He like me was an active and healthy man. If I had listened to my doctor the way Joe did, I guaranty you that my life would not be the same today. Joe's story is extremely unfortunate. After four years of being on a statin prescription, Joe now lays in hospice with multiple organ failure looming in the distance.

My six month plan to lower my cholesterol level involved some dietary changes. I did not totally eliminate fat and cholesterol, but I did moderate my intake. Eating less of these foods will effectively improve your lipid profile gradually, which is how the human body likes to change. I started adding some foods that I knew would be helpful in reducing cholesterol. I began making a conscious effort to increase my fiber intake. I ate oatmeal for breakfast and added some whole grains and vegetables to my diet.

I also increased my intake of healthy fats in the form of fish oil. Fish oil contains omega III essential fatty acids that are extremely beneficial to your lipid profile. I normally take 1000mg (2 capsules) of fish oil daily. For my six month program to lower my cholesterol, I increased my Omega III intake to 3000mg (two capsules with each meal) daily.

I also began taking 1200mg (2 capsules) of Red Yeast Rice daily. Red rice is fermented with the Monascus Purpureus strain of yeast. The resulting red yeast rice has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. Studies have shown that red yeast rice can effectively lower levels of total cholesterol, and specifically LDL, the "bad" cholesterol.

The final part of the program included some additional exercise. In my case, I chose aerobics at the gym, but you can certainly be successful just by walking. Many people make the mistake of trying to exercise too hard. This normally leads to exhaustion and disappointment every time they step on the scale. All you need to accomplish is to increase your present exercise level at a comfortable pace. You decide how far to push yourself. Remember, exercise is only a part of the program. If you add a little more exercise, and you eat a little less unhealthy food, and you eat a little more nutritious food, and add targeted dietary supplements, the changes you will see will amaze you. My doctor was sure surprised. The results of my six-month re-test showed my total cholesterol level to be 203, a drop of 15%. The six-month program was also reflected in my triglyceride levels which also dropped by a similar percentage.

I often say, if you know someone who could benefit by this information, please pass along this article. However, in the case of statin drugs, the world's #1 selling class of drug, everyone knows someone on a statin drug. Some of you who read this may be on a statin or low-dose statin drug. Do not let the name low-dose fool you; a drop of poison over time is just as dangerous. Protecting heart-health is essential for a long and active life. Long-term statin use carries with it considerable risk for serious side effects. The decision to initiate a statin drug requires careful consideration. Speak to your doctor about eliminating the statin drug and trying the natural method. It worked for me. Red yeast rice extract contains a compound that works by the same mechanism as statin drugs to lower cholesterol. Researchers have demonstrated red yeast rice extract can lower LDL, total cholesterol and triglycerides while raising HDL, the "good" cholesterol. Raising the HDL cholesterol helps dissolve and eliminate existing plaque deposits.

If your doctor is not open to this information, you should find one who is. You can start your search at acam.org (The American College for Advancement in Medicine) or try the resources of your local health food store. Perhaps they could recommend a doctor that will listen to you. If you still decide to continue using the statin drug, you must take between 200mg and 600mg of supplemental CoQ10 to reverse and prevent liver and muscle damage.

The surgeries in spinal cord are giving better results with each passing day as superior technologies are coming up. Surgeons are using unusual tools to perform spine surgery successfully. Recently an American doctor has used a special screw system for spine surgery. This new tool will ensure an effective surgical process since a patient will lose minimum blood while the operation is being performed. There are various other instances where operations on spinal cord have proved highly beneficial for patients in America. The orthopedic science in this country is improving with the advancement in technology and Texas happens to be one of the prime states of this country.

The Austin spine surgery centers perform different kinds of spinal cord operations. The doctors at Austin spine surgery centers use modern equipments and special devices to relieve patients out of back pains. Some of the popular surgeries are explained below.

Laminectomy

Many people develop acute back as they grow old. This is due to the formation of a bony arch called lamina in the dorsal surface of vertebral column. This problem is generally formed with growing age. The laminetomy involves operating out the lamina. This operation is generally an optional procedure and not an emergency operation. A good surgeon conducts thorough diagnosis before surgery to identify whether a patient actually needs this operation or not.

Spinal Fusion

This surgical technique is used to combine two or more number of vertebrae. The reason of this operation is to eliminate the pain that is caused by abnormal movement in the affected vertebrae. Generally, bone tissue grafting is implemented in this surgery to boost a person's bone formation.

Disc Anthroplasty

This surgery involves replacement of disc in the vertebral column. This procedure is used to treat chronic low back pain, cervical pain that arises out of degenerative disc diseases. Surgeons use special metallic plates for disc replacement.

For all the aforementioned operational procedures, several pathological tests are conducted during the diagnosis. After the surgery a patient is recommended complete rest. This helps the patient to recover from the surgery and during this time the stitches dry up and healing takes place.

Texas Orthopedics, Sports and Rehabilitation Associates is a renowned Austin spine surgery clinic. Several orthopedic surgeons are associated with this clinic. Visit their official website to read the testimonials of the patients these doctors have treated. The clinic has also made provision to fix a doctor's appointment form their website.