ByShahida
Nisar
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In
most of teh developed countries,women have their first
gynachological examnination in 10 years.The importance
of regular visits and testy cannot br ignored.The test
like mammography and Pap test;a quick and simple procedure,developed
fifty years ago,by George Papanicolaou,M . D .,remains
one of our weopons against cervical cancer.Pap test
is used to detect cervical cancer or pre-cancerous changes
in cells that line the cervix;the neck or lower part
of the uterus. Cervical cancer grows slowly, taking
years to develop into invasive cancer.This makes the
test even more vital;we can catch a problem before its
major.
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The Pap test
is one of the most common and effective tests done by
doctors If there s a problem tie test detects it ahout
85 percent of the time, and it can be re-ordered when
results are unclear. The test is an excl.llent device
tar detecting a problem before any symptoms appear. Still,
far too many women don't see a doctor and don't get a
Pap test. Many mistakenly believe they only need a Pap
test during childbearing years. About 35 percent of womri
belween ages 15 and 44 never have a Pap test. The truth
is that women need routine Pap tests, beginning when they
become sexually active (or after they begin menstruating)
and continuing throughout their lives.
For most women, an annual Pap test is best. Talk to your
doctor to determine how often you need to be screened.
Women who have had abnormal Pap tests, or who have other
risk factors for cervical cancer (smoking, certain types
of human papilloma virus, exposure to the drug DES, a
family history of disease), may need more frequent screening.
A swab or brush is used gently to sample different sections
of the cervix. Most women report no pain. The test is
prepared on a glass slide to be read by a pathologist.
Newer technologies use special solutions and computers.
In case of any suspicion the results of the tests can
be obtained within 24 hours. Most times, however, the
results are achieved within 30 days.
The Pap test is an excellent tool, but it only works
if we use it. If you're a woman and you haven't seen
a gynecologist in a year or more, schedule a visit.
If you're a man, remind the women in your life about
this very important test. YOU might be ensuring the
health of your loved ones.
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Drug-drug interactions
occur when one drug interacts or interferes with another
drug.
Such interactions are dangerous because they can alter
the way one or both of the drugs act in the body. They
can also cause unexpected side effects.
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"A common misperception is that
only prescription medications have the potential to
interact with each other. But the truth is, over-the-counter
medicines also may result in drug-drug interactions
when combined with prescription medications or with
other over-the-counter medicines, vitamins or herbal
products," says Steve Clement, R.Ph., a pharmacist
at Copper Bend Pharmacy in Belleville, Ill., and a spokesman
for the American Pharmaceutical Association. The following
information can help you avoid drug-drug interactions.
Common Interactions.
Not all drug-drug interactions are alike. Sometimes
when two drugs interact, the overall effect of one or
both of the drugs may be greater than desired. For example,
both aspirin and blood thinners such as warfarin, taken
to protect against heart attack, help prevent blood
clots from forming. Using these medications together,
however, may cause excessive bleeding. With other combinations
of medicine, the effectiveness of one or both of the
drugs may be reduced. Certain antacids can prevent many
medicines from being absorbed into the bloodstream.
If this happens, the medicine may not work as well,
or may not work at all. Some of the more common symptoms
of drug-drug interactions include nausea or upset stomach,
headache, heartburn and dizziness. If you experience
any reaction that seems out of the ordinary after taking
any medication, consult your local pharmacist and make
him or her aware of all of the medicines and remedies
you're taking. Herbal supplements can add to the risk
of drug-drug interactions
.Read the Label.
If you don't, you may take an incorrect dosage or overlook
potential side effects.
Know the Risks. Make sure you know the benefits and
the potential risks of medications you take. Look specifically
for the section called "warnings" on the labels
of over-the-counter medicines.
Ask Questions. Talk
to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new medication.
Ask whether it's safe to take the new medicine with
other medications, vitamins or herbal products you already
take, regularly or even occasionally. Keep a list of
all the drugs you take and share it with your doctors
and your pharmacist.
Pick a Pharmacy. Use
one pharmacy for all of your family's medication needs.
Doing so allows your pharmacist to look for and help
you avoid drug-drug interactions.
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