NDM-1 the Newest Global Health Scare

A bacterium that makes an enzyme called NDM-1 is freaking out global health researchers. Apparently this new superbug is capable of resisting one of the World's most powerful antibiotics - carbapenems. This NDM-1 enzyme producing bacteria can exist inside other infection causing bacteria like E.Coli, making them resistant to antibiotics, possibly all antibiotics. Infections by these NDM-1 infected bacteria could produce infections that are deadly and untreatable. To make matters worse, it is feared that NDM-1 may end up in strains of bacteria that are easily transmitted creating fast moving and deadly international pandemics. So far, isolated cases of NDM-1 infections have been identified in several hospital patients scattered across Great Britain (50 cases) but similar infections are popping up in isolated areas of the U.S., Canada, Holland, Australia. However, in some countries like India and Pakistan it appears to be spreading rapidly and many of the infections identified in Great Britain were in patients who recently had cosmetic surgery in either India or Pakistan. In several cases and of major concern is some of these NDM-1 bacterial infections have spread from hospital patient to hospital patient. While many of the NDM-1 superbug infections detected so far have been treatable with a combination of antibiotics, at least one in Great Britain has resisted all treatment, including treatment with carbapenems, an antibiotic which is normally reserved as a last resort treatment. NDM-1 infection is just the latest in a growing list of new global health superbug infections like H1N1 (Swine Flu) and SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome). The fear among health scientists is that the NDM-1 could potentially make many, if not all, types of disease causing bacteria resistant to all known antibiotics. Such and unbeatable bacteria would create a global health problem, particularly if the bacteria is one that is easily transmittable. Overuse of antibiotics coupled with the ability of bacteria to mutate and to become resistant to antibiotics will undoubtedly be a major source of concern for world health researchers for years to come. Meanwhile, the only thing you can do to protect yourself is use hand sanitizers, wash your hands frequently, and hold a hand over your face when you cough or sneeze and take vaccines when available. (Note: One bright spot is the development of vaccine patches which may soon replace sharp needle jabs. Traditional injections by a single needle may soon be replaced by patches with tiny micro needles that you can self apply. The patches will have hundreds of microscopic needles (0.65mm) that are loaded in a skin patch and dissolve into your skin. That's something to look forward to.)These new "Superbugs" like NDM-1 bacteria, E.coli, SARS, Ebola, H1N1,West Nile virus and other emerging health threats caused by mutating pathogens are a real threat to global health and are spreading largely as a result of increases in international trade and travel - we should expect more. The international health community is working non-stop to protect us from infections but without effective antibiotics that job will be tough.

Health Care Too Expensive? 6 Easy Ways to Save Money

If you want to protect yourself and your family without going broke, you will need to be pro-active when it comes to health care. Despite the extremely high cost of most medical care, access to free or discounted care is there for those willing to make a small effort to find it. Here are 6 tips to get you started.


1) Rx Discount Program - Prescription costs can be reduced substantially without buying insurance. There are discount purchasing groups that allow you to join them and receive their negotiated pricing on most prescription medications. One such group is UNA. There is no obligation or fee to register and it takes less than a minute to receive a personalized printable discount card which you simply bring to your druggist. He will save your discount group # in your file and you will then receive a reduced group price on all covered prescriptions. Discounts can be as much as 75% on some prescriptions. Go to www.superrxcard.com and print your own free drug card in less than 10 seconds. There are no gimmicks attached to this one and over 57,000 pharmacies participate in this group. According to Wellness.com - April 2006: "Hands down, the finest prescription assistance program in the United States…"
2) Free Medical Q&A - Informational resources are abundant and free. If you have symptoms you want to confidentially discuss with a real doctor or if you want to research any disease or medication, here are a few good resources: www.webmd.com , www.afraidtoask.com and www.yournetdoctor.com .
3) Doctor and Hospital Ratings - before you select a doctor or hospital for surgery, you might want to know if you are making the right choice. There are research groups that independently research doctors and hospitals and rate them based on criteria which are designed to determine whether they have met the nationally recognized standards for excellence. One such group has made their data base of research on over 600,000 doctors and hospitals available to the public. Got to: www.healthgrades.com to see how your doctor and hospital rate.
4) Health Insurance - Given up on buying health insurance? Do a little more research. There might possibly be some good coverage available that is within your budget. Try www.insureme.com or www.healthinsuranceinfo.net before throwing in the towel.
5) Free Eyeglasses - If you are a student or have children and cannot afford eyeglasses for them, there is a program available that may qualify you for a free eye examination and free glasses. To see if you qualify, go to: www.sightforstudents.org and apply
6) Free Medical and Dental Clinics - Nearly every zip code has a medical facility nearby that will give anyone, without insurance or money, medical care. Most of these receive $ aid from governmental agencies or charitable organizations. How do I locate one? Just call any doctor or medical facility and ask them or visit www.ask.hrsa.gov/pc/ . This webpage will allow you to search for a clinic by zip code that will give you medical care, even if you do not have insurance or money. Another site that will help you locate free medical care is www.freemedicalcamp.com