Comments for Voluntary Health Care Medical Tips Articles and Products Reviews of Barbara Hillary

Comment on The Starvation Treatment of Diabetes by George L. Avet "laser maniac"

George L. Avet "laser maniac" — Sat, 19 May 2012 08:49:30 +0000

Interesting approach at the turn of the century., April 25, 2012

R. Matthews (Atlanta, GA) -

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This review is from: The Starvation Treatment of Diabetes (Kindle Edition)

I never completed reading this book. I did read 20% and lost interest. It appeared to be the early work of diabetes treatment.

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Comment on A Cruel Wind: Pandemic Flu in America 1918-1920 Reviews by Chris Holmes "Author of THE GARDEN OF EVIL, S...

Chris Holmes "Author of THE GARDEN OF EVIL, S... — Fri, 18 May 2012 17:00:07 +0000

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful

Pandemic Influenza: Can it happen again?, August 19, 2008

Chris Holmes "Author of THE GARDEN OF EVIL, S... (Escondido, CA, USA) -

This review is from: A Cruel Wind: Pandemic Flu in America 1918-1920 (Hardcover)

A Cruel Wind: Pandemic Flu in America, 1918-1920,
Dorothy Pettit, Ph.D, and Janice Bailie,Ph.D., Timberlane Press, 2007
Reviewer: Chris Holmes, M.D., M.S.P.H.

Why should we worry about the flu? It's just a minor, 3-day illness, right? Well, not exactly. For 15% of the world's citizens (500,000 U.S.) who get sick from it each year, or the 250-300,000 (30,000 U.S.) who die from it, it's not "minor." Nor is its economic impact: $167 billion annually in the U.S., which includes the cost of 70 million doses of vaccine. If you multiply these numbers by about 200, you approach the rates for the 1918 pandemic. So maybe we should be a little worried.

In this well written and thoroughly researched book, the authors -- a biochemist and an historian -- trace in detail the American course of this outbreak and its impact on every aspect of U.S. life: economic, political, military and public health. Even the entertainment industry was affected: movie theaters closed, stages darkened. The epidemic also highlighted America's woefully inadequate health care system. The book's numerous illustrations, tables and figures, and extensive references and bibliography ground, illuminate and clarify the viral and historical concepts.

The story begins with a review of basic influenza virology and immunologic classification. The concepts of antigen drift (minor surface antigen changes requiring a new vaccine annually) and antigen shift (major, 10 year-or-so changes which signal the start of pandemics like the 1957 Asian flu (2 million deaths worldwide) and the 1968 Hong Kong flu (700,000 deaths).

The authors then confront several vexing questions about the 1918 pandemic: First, where did it originate. Two competing theories have emerged: that it spontaneously erupted in Europe, Asia and North America; or it began in U.S. Army recruit camps in Kansas then spread to Europe as soldiers headed for WW I. Neither theory emerges a winner. But it seems plausible, wherever it began, that this particular strain also infected animals (swine). Another intriguing question is why this epidemic was so deadly (mortality close to 30% overall), especially in healthy young adults (50% mortalty in 20-40 year-olds). The authors find no definitive answer to this question either, though they examine all sides clearly.

Finally come the most important questions: How likely is the 1918 outbreak to happen again? And are we prepared for it if it does. The Influenza virus can cross the species barrier (as it appears to have done in 1918), and in 2006-2007 275 human cases of avian influenza (H5N1) were documented in Asia, a majority in Thailand. The great worry is that if a human host is infected with both the H5N1strain and a human influenza strain at the same time, he or she could become a mixing bowl for the reassortment and emergence of a new, deadly strain. That thought should scare the collective pants off us!

I highly recommend this book to students and researchers interested in the history of medicine and science, to practitioners and academic professionals (including university and public libraries) in medicine, nursing, public health and infectious disease, as well as to the general interested reader. There is no better example than this book of why we must learn history or are doomed to repeat it.

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Comment on A Cruel Wind: Pandemic Flu in America 1918-1920 Reviews by S. B. Scott "Shop-the-Boro"

S. B. Scott "Shop-the-Boro" — Fri, 18 May 2012 16:32:08 +0000

34 of 34 people found the following review helpful

A well-written social history of the horrific flu pandemic that killed almost 700,000 Americans between 1918 and 1920..., July 30, 2008

S. B. Scott "Shop-the-Boro" (USA) -

This review is from: A Cruel Wind: Pandemic Flu in America 1918-1920 (Hardcover)

A careful, well-written and thoroughly documented academic study of the flu pandemic that ravaged America from 1918 to 1920. Includes numerous illustrations, tables and photographs, chapter notes, an extensive classified bibliography, and an excellent index.

Taking a much-different approach than the several other books available on the 1918 Influenza Pandemic, the authors -- Pettit, a former Medical Technologist with a Ph.D. in American History, and Bailie, holding a Ph.D. in Biochemistry -- take a "social history" approach and weave the stories of individuals who lived and died during this harrowing time, in with informed scientific discussion of the virus and clinical perspectives of the healthcare professionals who tried to save them.

The numbers are shocking -- Pettit and Bailie cite pandemic influenza data indicating that "25%-30% of the world's population" had "clinically apparent illnesses" with a resulting "mortality rate of 2.5 % to 5 %." And, though the pandemic is usually only briefly mentioned in -- or, often even left out of many world and/or American history books -- it was truly a catastrophic event. The authors estimate that somewhere between 50,000,000 and 100,000,000 people died of this particular, virulent strain of the flu worldwide during those two years.

In the opening chapter, "The Riddle of Influenza," we're introduced to the distinguished neurosurgeon, Harvey Cushing, of Johns Hopkins University, who describes his battles with influenza in 1906 and 1918. The authors then discuss how the virus was typically diagnosed at the time, describes the viral invasion, replication and the body's attempts to defend itself; then, goes on to discuss bacterial complications, and traces the disease through the history of mankind. Closes the chapter with a discussion of research conducted by Simon Flexner of the Rockefeller Institute on epidemic encephalitis and Richard E. Shope's work on Hog Flu and the peculiar characteristics of this particular strain, noting that: "About fifty percent of those who died were between twenty and forty years of age. [And,] influenza and pneumonia death rates for 15 to 34 year-olds were more than 20 times higher in 1918 than in previous years; they were people in the prime of life, a group that usually has a very low death rate from influenza."

Chapter two, "The Silent Foe," focuses on the impact of the flu pandemic on the millions of American soldiers mobilized to fight in France during World War I. Describes efforts by Secretary of War Newton D. Baker, Army Surgeon General William C. Gorgas and others to improve sanitary conditions in the training camps, to identify and weed-out unfit doctors, and their unsuccessful efforts to prevent the spread of the flu to major cities. Offers useful data that describes this spread by date and city location (46 cities), through the Navy ships and shipyards, through the Army camps and over into France, China and around the world. Focuses on descriptions of the virus in China and closes with a brief discussion of the impact on Austrian-German forces.

Chapter 3, "A Kind of Plague," focuses on the impact of the Flu on the allied forces in France, discusses the establishment of the Pneumonia Commission in the United States during July 1918 and describes their work at Camp Pike in Arkansas, Camp Funston in Kansas, and Camp Devens in Massachusetts. Closes the chapter with discussion of the plight of specific individuals, the horrific death rates, the shortages of coffins in major cities, the effect on the political elections, and bans on gatherings.

Chapter 4, "One War Ends," discusses the economic impact of the flu pandemic during September-October, 1918 through the stories of individuals involved, how the pandemic "was a boon to the life insurance industry," the shortages of healthcare personnel, U.S. Public Health Service efforts to help communities fight the disease, how pandemic-related poverty cases overwhelmed the social agencies of the time, and the misery of the many thousands of children who had lost one or both parents.

Chapter 5, "The Paris Cold," focuses on the impact on the work of the Diplomatic Corps in Paris who fought influenza virus while trying -- at the same time -- to address and write the peace treaty and associated documents to end the war. Refers to cases of one prominent individual after another -- Dr. Raymond Pearl with the U.S. Food Administration, Willard Straight who was an investment banker and founder of New Republic Magazine, Joseph Grew of the State Department, economist Clive Day, Colonel Edward M. House, and finally the battle to save the life of the President himself, Woodrow Wilson, are all narrated and implications on the American Peace Delegation are drawn.

Chapter 6, "The Aftermath (1919)," offers an assessment of the impact of the pandemic on both individual lives and on America's public institutions... Read more

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Comment on Dental Implant Complications: Etiology, Prevention, and Treatment by edward r hughes

edward r hughes — Thu, 17 May 2012 02:54:40 +0000

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

Dental Implant Complications, June 18, 2011

edward r hughes -

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This review is from: Dental Implant Complications: Etiology, Prevention, and Treatment (Hardcover)

This is an excellent text for those serious about using root form dental implants, bone grafting and CBCT. There are times that issues do occur in the practice of implant dentistry. This book will help the doctor manage and perhaps prevent the complications associated with dental implant treatment.

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Comment on Dental Implant Complications: Etiology, Prevention, and Treatment by Thomas E. O'Connor

Thomas E. O'Connor — Thu, 17 May 2012 02:17:25 +0000

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

Dental Implant Complications, January 19, 2011

Thomas E. O'Connor -

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This review is from: Dental Implant Complications: Etiology, Prevention, and Treatment (Hardcover)

Helps in the development of understanding of the complexities of everyday implant dentistry. Great resource book. Well organized. Great contributing authors. A must have for the surgical implant dentist.

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Comment on Flu by PoleCatEddy

PoleCatEddy — Tue, 15 May 2012 01:21:48 +0000

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

Irish Zombies!, September 3, 2010

PoleCatEddy -

This review is from: Flu (Paperback)

I finished this title last night, and must say I really enjoyed it. It has been 18 months since I last read a new zombie novel, but I'm glad I picked this one up. It has a very dynamic story line. I liked the beginning that quickly throws you into the action with an interesting and diverse set of characters. The Irish setting, with the shadow of 'The Troubles' and the IRA, etc was inspired. The ending sets up the possibilty of a sequel - which would be no bad thing. I think I'd buy it!

If I had any criticise for the book it's that it possibly missed the opportunity to open up the story on a wider canvas. It keeps to quite a small set of characters, in a limited number of locations. I found it interesting when the story touched upon the military involvement, and I think there was scope to spend some time showing how the government and military all over Ireland were coping with the outbreak. Also, two sets of unrelated characters ending up at the same flat in the finale seemed a tad contrived. I wasn't mad on the idea of the little girl's significance either - Too 28 weeks Later. On a final personal note, everyone being a fine shot with a Glock 17 erked me a little, with a slight lack of realism that (a) it's really hard to hit moving 'head' target with a handgun with any accuracy and (b) the characters weren't deaf from all that shooting!

Small gripes aside, this is one of the better zombie novels I've read and I would recommend it. Clearly Simmons is an emerging talent, and has a bright horror writing future.

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Comment on Flu by Craig DiLouie "author of THE INFECTION and TO...

Craig DiLouie "author of THE INFECTION and TO... — Tue, 15 May 2012 01:11:54 +0000

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful

Two thumbs up for Wayne Simmons' FLU, July 29, 2010

Craig DiLouie "author of THE INFECTION and TO... (Calgary, AB CANADA) -

This review is from: Flu (Paperback)

The zombie genre offers a lot of choices these days, with a few gems like Wayne Simmons' FLU that really stand out. I eagerly anticipated this one and devoured it within days of its delivery. The apocalypse is well explained, the characters behave realistically in realistic conditions, I actually get to know and care about the people involved, the action is engaging, and enormous stakes are presented that kept me reading to the end. FLU is a must have for readers who love the apocalypse, especially the zombie kind.

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Comment on Country Life Maxi Hair Time Release, 90-Tablet by Heather Haft

Heather Haft — Wed, 09 May 2012 08:07:04 +0000

44 of 45 people found the following review helpful

They work! Six months and still going!, May 25, 2010

Heather Haft (Los Angeles, CA United States) -

This review is from: Country Life Maxi Hair TR (Health and Beauty)

I've been taking these pills since December 2009, after I realized how badly my hair was falling out. I was rather oblivious to how much I was shedding until I noticed how many loose strands I'd be pulling out in the shower while shampooing, and although I'm aware hair is three times weaker when it's wet, it scared me. I went out the next day to buy things to make my hair strong again, such as shampoo without sulfates and these vitamins. I don't know how long it took before I actually noticed they were helping, I wasn't paying much attention because I was simply convinced they wouldn't help. But one day I realized not only was I leaving less hair all over the bathroom floor from brushing my hair, but I pull out a lot less when I shampoo my hair! Admittedly, I don't use the sulfate-free shampoo as much as I should, because my regular shampoo smells like apples and I love the scent, so I use that more than the other stuff. So I know the majority of the progress has been because of these vitamins.

I haven't noticed any difference in my skin, but that's because I already have great skin. But another huge difference besides the decrease in hair shedding is my nails are incredibly healthy! They used to crack and chip and just plain break off so easily, I could bump my hand into a hard surface while walking and it'd chip a nail. I got so used to it that my healthy nails were the first thing that made me realize these vitamins actually work. One day I jammed my hand into the kitchen counter because I stumbled, and started to walk toward the bathroom to get nail clippers because I completely expected at least one fully demolished nail that has to be trimmed down, but my nails weren't affected at all by the blow to the ceramic.

These vitamins can double as a daily multitab as well. Taking vitamins everyday is a new feat for me, which is almost embarrassing to admit since I'm 26, but I was looking into buying a multitab until I compared the Supplement Facts and realized they're almost identical. These vitamins don't have iron though, so if you need iron, you'll need to take a separate supplement.

One warning, however: These vitamins will turn your urine neon yellow. The brightness will fade over time as you continue to take these, but for the first couple months at least, you'll seriously have dayglo yellow pee.

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Comment on Country Life Maxi Hair Time Release, 90-Tablet by Debra E. Woodbeck "aunt dee"

Debra E. Woodbeck "aunt dee" — Wed, 09 May 2012 08:01:02 +0000

94 of 95 people found the following review helpful

great product, May 22, 2008

Debra E. Woodbeck "aunt dee" -

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This review is from: Country Life Maxi Hair Time Release, 90-Tablet (Health and Beauty)

For years my brush would be full of hair after brushing, so I started looking for regrowth products. They were all over priced. I came across these pills here, the price caught my attention. I really didn't expect it to work at such a low price.

I have been using these pills for about a month and my hair is not falling out any more. I highly recommend this product. I am reordering more for my self and for friends and family members.

I wanted to update this review, because after only 45 days (1 bottle), I have new hair growth, that is about 1 to 2 inches long. My hair is not as thin as it used to be.

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Comment on Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips Custom Eye Enhancing Gel CreamLiner GLAM COLLECTION ~ GLAM BROWN EYES by Anonymous

Anonymous — Tue, 08 May 2012 15:25:21 +0000

Long lasting, December 7, 2011

Antares59 -

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This review is from: Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips Custom Eye Enhancing Gel CreamLiner GLAM COLLECTION ~ GLAM BROWN EYES

This eyeliner stays on all day. The colors are pretty. I don't really like the brush it came with so I use my own. The brush makes the line too thick.

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