Pharmacy is the science and practice of identifying, producing, preparing, dispensing, reviewing and monitoring medications. It links health sciences with pharmaceutical and natural sciences, and it plays a vital role in improving patient outcomes and lowering overall healthcare costs. The field of pharmacy is highly specialized, and there are many opportunities to explore within the profession. From consulting to research and everything in between, a pharmacist’s job encompasses a diverse range of activities that are essential to the well-being of patients. Pharmacists are in high demand, and the field is constantly evolving. The most important thing for aspiring pharmacists to remember is that no two jobs are alike, and each one requires a unique skill set. The most successful pharmacists are those who are able to adapt to the changing needs of their patient base. To do this, it is important for pharmacists to keep up with advances in the industry and to continue to hone their craft through ongoing education and training. Choosing the Right School Many pharmacy programs are offered as two-, three- or four-year undergraduate degrees. These programs are designed to provide students with a solid foundation in basic scientific principles before they progress into more advanced studies of the field. Pre-pharmacy students will take a wide variety of courses, including chemistry, biology, anatomy, physiology and advanced math. The more prestigious pharmacy schools may expect a high GPA from applicants, so it is important for prospective pharmacists to work hard in their undergraduate coursework and to seek out the best letters of recommendation when possible. When deciding on the right school to attend, it is important for pharmacy students to consider their personal goals and preferences. The program must offer the appropriate balance of scholarly and practical experiences to prepare them for the demands of the career. It is also a good idea to select a school that has a strong reputation for clinical research and hands-on learning. After finishing a degree in pharmacy, aspiring pharmacists can choose to pursue careers at large chain stores, independent pharmacies or even start their own business. Regardless of where they work, pharmacists must be able to meet the needs of their patients. This includes making them feel comfortable and welcome in a clean, safe environment while providing them with accurate information about their medications. In addition to the above, it is important for pharmacists to provide preventative care services that promote a healthy lifestyle and encourage the use of prescription drugs only as directed by medical professionals. These services can include health and wellness screenings, flu shots and vaccinations. In addition, pharmacists can help patients manage their chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease by counseling them on proper diet, exercise and stress management. They can also provide guidance to patients who have trouble following their prescriptions due to side effects or lack of compliance. In some cases, pharmacists can provide prescriptions for alternative treatments that can be used as substitutes for prescribed medicines.
Read MoreCancer is a disease in which cells of the body grow out of control and form a mass of tissue called a tumor. Cancer can also spread to other parts of the body where it may cause further damage. Cancer can be curable if caught at an early stage. Scientists are making progress in understanding the causes of cancer and how it develops. They know that many types of cancer begin when normal cells acquire one or more mutations. The mutations can be caused by environmental factors or by genes. One of the important developments in scientists’ view of cancer was the recognition that tumors grow by a process called clonal expansion. Cancer cells develop from a normal cell and then reproduce and expand without controlling signals that normally stop cell growth. During this process the cancer cells produce extra copies of themselves, and they also acquire other traits that make them abnormal. The development of the unified view of cancer also involved advances in the study of normal cells and the ways they function. Scientists learned that the characteristics of a normal cell are determined by the instructions encoded in its DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid). The DNA in a normal cell is like a blueprint that directs all of the cell’s activities, such as growth, repair, and protein synthesis. In normal cells, if DNA is damaged the cell usually dies or undergoes a controlled process of repair. However, if a cell with damaged DNA is exposed to certain environmental factors it may be able to survive and multiply in an uncontrolled manner. Another important area of research in cancer has been epidemiology, which studies the rates and patterns of the diseases that affect large groups of people. By studying cancer incidence, mortality, and survival data from a number of sources, scientists can identify specific factors that increase or decrease the probability of developing cancer. Some of the most exciting recent developments in cancer research have come from studies of genes. Scientists have discovered a large number of genes that appear to be associated with the risk of certain cancers. By identifying these genes, researchers hope to develop methods for preventing or treating cancer. Constant fatigue, despite good rest and exercise, is a warning sign that should not be ignored. It could be a sign of leukemia or other cancers that affect the bone marrow. Unexplained bleeding, especially after sex or after menopause is another sign that should be reported to your doctor. There are several treatments for cancer, depending on the type and stage of cancer. Surgery may be an option for some cancers, especially those that haven’t spread to other parts of the body. Some cancers can be treated with radiation, either external beam or internal beam. Another treatment is chemotherapy, which kills cancer cells and some healthy cells. A newer form of chemotherapy, called targeted therapy, zeroes in on specific molecular targets in cancer cells to disable their ability to grow and spread.
Read MoreMedical is a term used to describe the fields of science and practice that deal with human health and disease. It includes the fields of medicine, surgery, pharmacology, physiotherapy and other such disciplines. Medical science includes a range of scientific research areas such as anatomy, cytology, biochemistry and physiology. Medicine is also influenced by biological sciences such as evolution and genetics, as well as technology, policy and ethics. In modern times, much of medicine has become a mixture of art (practical skill) and science. It is also influenced by a wide variety of cultural influences. For example, a physician who applies the principles of humorism may be considered an artist, while using the latest techniques in cellular and molecular biology to diagnose or treat illness is scientific. Medicine has traditionally been split into two broad categories: internal medicine and surgery. Both of these categories contain a number of sub-specialties. Most of the medical specialties require a substantial amount of pre-residency training in general medicine. In the United Kingdom this is evidenced by a Membership of the Royal College of Physicians (MRCP). Surgical specialties typically require an additional one to three years of post-residency training, and often involve a fellowship. The healthcare industry is a massive sector of the economy that covers a range of different entities including physicians offices, hospitals, laboratory services, radiology centers, physical therapy facilities and pharmaceutical companies. It also encompasses a range of organizations that provide insurance and/or managed care including group purchasing organizations, pharmacy benefit managers, integrated delivery networks, healthcare systems and insurers. When a patient interacts with any healthcare provider, the encounter is recorded in a medical record. The medical records are legally protected in many countries and can only be disclosed with the permission of the patient or their legal representative. The record contains the history of present illness (HPI) and the family medical history (FMH). HPI consists of symptoms and their duration, as well as other information such as past illnesses and treatments. Medical studies are conducted to test new treatments for various conditions. These studies usually start in a lab animal before moving to a clinical trial involving humans. The trials are designed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the treatment. Physicians that specialize in hospital medicine are called hospitalists. Their focus is on the diagnosis and management of acute or chronic illnesses in patients who are admitted to hospital. The goal of these physicians is to improve the patients’ current functioning with their disease and overall quality of life. They use a range of interventions to achieve this including medication, surgery and palliative care. This field of medicine is also influenced by psychology and philosophy. It is sometimes referred to as the medical humanities or the humanities of medicine.
Read MoreHealth is the state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. This definition was first used by the World Health Organization in 1948. However, it is still not clear enough in the context of new understandings of disease at cellular and genetic levels. This is because the concept of health focuses too much on an absence of disease and fails to address the factors that support human wellbeing. This is the premise of a theory called salutogenesis which proposes that we should seek to identify the factors that create health and not just those that eliminate disease. The perception of health has shifted over time. In the early modern period, it was closely linked with Darwinian views of strength and survival of the fittest. Later, it became a utilitarian concept with the goal of enabling people to work for long periods of time and reduce absenteeism from illness. Currently, the concept of health is widely considered as an intrinsic right that should be guaranteed to every person in all countries. One reason for this is that the concept of Health has become a political issue. Various groups have sought to define the concept of Health and the related concepts of wellness, happiness and life satisfaction in terms that reflect their own values. These concepts are also being influenced by the new knowledge about disease at molecular and individual levels. People’s perception of Health is affected by their environment, culture and lifestyle. Some of these influences are caused by individual choices, such as whether or not to engage in risky behaviour, and others are structural, such as the availability of healthy foods. These are called the social determinants of health (SDOH) and contribute to wide gaps in health outcomes and risks. A person’s perception of Health can also be influenced by the meaning that they attach to their life and purpose, and the sense of fulfilment or lack of it that they feel. This perception is also shaped by the cultural and historical context in which they live. A key challenge for the future of health is that it no longer only involves preventing and treating diseases, but also includes promoting human flourishing and reducing inequalities in health and life chances. As a result, the health field is becoming increasingly multidisciplinary and collaborative. This is reflected in the increasing number of academic and practice-based partnerships, and the rise of interdisciplinary research. This trend will likely continue. In the future, we may see health professionals working in collaboration with other disciplines and sectors to promote human health and wellbeing, and tackle complex challenges such as globalisation and climate change. This will require a whole-of-system approach to health, and an appreciation of the interconnectedness of the various factors that influence it. This will be necessary to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to achieve their fullest potential and live a healthy, fulfilling life.
Read MoreThe pharmacy is more than a place to buy drugs; it’s also where you can get answers to your questions about the medications prescribed by your doctor, how to take them properly, and what side effects to expect. In addition to supplying prescription drugs, pharmacies also provide immunizations and advice on over-the-counter medications. Pharmacists can even help you with your diet and exercise. They can also work with you and your physician to create a medication management plan. The pharmacy can also supply home medical equipment, and some pharmacists are part of a healthcare team that provides care in skilled nursing facilities and hospitals. The field of pharmacy has grown to include a wide range of disciplines, and the emergence of virtual pharmacy services has added another dimension to this dynamic sector. The integration of sociologists, psychologists, anthropologists, historians, and health economists into pharmacy research has opened the doors for new approaches to pharmacy practice and policy. Pharmacy is an important career that requires a rigorous academic curriculum and specialized training. Most countries require that those who practice as pharmacists have a degree from an accredited college of pharmacy, or a equivalent qualification, and pass an examination. Some countries have a licensing system to ensure that the public is protected from unscrupulous pharmacists. A pharmacy’s primary responsibility is to ensure that you are receiving the correct medicine and that it is administered in the safest way possible. Pharmacists can do this by verifying a prescription before dispensing the drug and checking that it does not interact with any other drugs you are taking. They can also give you advice about what to eat or drink, and what activities to avoid to minimize the risk of side effects. An increasing number of people are turning to online pharmacies for their medicine needs, but it is important that you use a trusted website. Legitimate pharmacies will always require a doctor’s prescription before supplying any medicines, and they will have the necessary security measures in place to prevent counterfeiting and fraud. They will also have a team of customer service representatives that are available to help you with your enquiries twenty-four hours a day. Getting to the nearest pharmacy can be difficult for those with limited mobility. This is especially true for elderly people who don’t have access to a car and rely on friends or family members to drive them around. Fortunately, online pharmacies are removing this barrier to healthcare by providing easy-to-use online services. The aging population has increased the need for long-term care and geriatric pharmacy services. This has been accompanied by a rise in chronic illness and the complexity of medication regimens. Pharmacists can assist elderly patients with managing their complicated medications and exploring ways to reduce costs. They can also work with family caregivers to ensure that the patient is getting adequate nutrition and hydration. They can also help with financial planning and counseling. This can be a great relief to caregivers who are struggling with the pressures of caring for their loved ones.
Read MoreHealth is a complex phenomenon. It is difficult to define, and its meaning differs for every individual and their social context. The complexity of this topic makes it interesting for research and development, but also poses a challenge to communication. Consequently, it is very important that public information and interventions take the individual understanding of health into consideration. Traditionally, the medical profession has been the only authority to declare individuals healthy and disease free. But with the progress of medicine, individuals may be declared healthy today and found to be diseased tomorrow because more advanced methods of investigation detect the presence of diseases that were not diagnosed by earlier techniques. As a consequence, the definition of health has been rethought and redefined several times in history. It is a common view that a person’s health depends on their genetic predisposition and their lifestyle choices. However, some people have a more positive interpretation of health and see it as something that is not dependent on their genes or their lifestyle choices. These individuals may have a positive outlook on life and feel healthy when their lives are filled with other valuable things that compensate for some losses. Another definition of health is that it is a combination of physical and mental well-being. This concept includes the biopsychosocial model, which views health as the result of interactions between biological, psychological and environmental factors. For example, a person who is physically healthy but has a low self-esteem may be at risk for developing depression. This is because the connection between mental and physical health is two-way: a person’s emotions and perceptions can influence their behaviour, which in turn can have an impact on their physical wellbeing. There is an increasing recognition that there is a close relationship between an individual’s health and the circumstances in which they grow, live, work and play (Commission on Social Determinants of Health 2008). These factors are known as health determinants. For example, a person who has lived all their life in a coastal environment might develop breathing problems when they move to a mountain area because the air there contains less oxygen. As the World Health Organization explains, “Health is more than the absence of disease or infirmity” (WHO 1948). This pragmatic approach to health was a key aspect in the development of the Zagreb Andrija Stampar School of Public Health, and is one of the main aspects in our vision of the future. To help us achieve our vision, we need to continue working to improve the quality of health education in Croatia. To do this, we need to understand and support students as they explore health from many different perspectives. We need to develop an education system that helps them gain knowledge and skills in the fields of health promotion, health communication and behavioural change. The School of Public Health is proud to be at the forefront of this work. We are committed to supporting our students as they navigate the ever-changing and challenging landscape of our society.
Read MorePharmacy is a profession that offers a plethora of opportunities for those interested in healthcare and science. As a result, it is one of the most popular subjects among students seeking higher education and research degrees. However, pursuing a career in pharmacy is not always an easy endeavour; it requires a lot of hard work and dedication. Despite this, many reports continue to point out that pharmacists are in high demand worldwide for their professional skills and competencies. Moreover, there are numerous benefits to being a pharmacist including excellent pay, job security and opportunities for advancement. It is no wonder, then, that so many people dream of becoming a pharmacist. Those who choose to pursue this career path often face several challenges while trying to gain acceptance to pharmacy school. They must secure funding for tuition, find the right school and meet their chosen program’s requirements. While overcoming these hurdles can be difficult, there are a variety of resources that can help. These include student loans, scholarship programs and grants. In addition, it is essential for future pharmacists to prioritize gaining experience in the field by getting paid work or volunteering at local pharmacies. This will give them the necessary tools to excel in their careers and show admissions committees that they have what it takes to succeed. While the profession of pharmacy is considered to be a knowledge-based one, its scholarly understanding is not without controversy. Some argue that the concept of a knowledge-based profession is outdated and a more comprehensive analysis needs to be made. This includes analyzing the process of conveying this knowledge as well as how it is used in practice. In addition to the academic component of pharmacy, it is also important to consider the social, political and economic implications. This is because the knowledge of a pharmacist has the potential to impact the health of the public. For this reason, there is a need to ensure that the knowledge of pharmacists is used to benefit the public in the most effective manner possible. As part of the broader healthcare sector, it is vital for pharmacists to be able to communicate with other healthcare professionals and patients. This is in order to provide the best care for patients and to ensure that medicines are taken appropriately and effectively. Pharmacists must also be able to assist with the transfer of medication between different healthcare providers and from hospital to home or nursing/care homes. Finally, it is important that pharmacists are able to communicate with the general public on all areas of health-related topics. This is to help them advise the public on how they can live a healthy lifestyle and be aware of any side effects that may occur when taking medication. They can also provide advice on general health issues such as weight management, blood pressure monitoring and smoking cessation. This information can be crucial in the prevention and treatment of various diseases. In addition, it is necessary to ensure that there is a safe and efficient supply chain of medications and a way to verify prescriptions.
Read MoreCancer is a disease that occurs when abnormal cells grow out of control and form tumors. The abnormal cells may also spread to other parts of the body by microscopic movements called metastasis. Cancer can be treated by surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or other methods. A cure is usually possible if the cancer is detected early and treated promptly. The human body is made up of trillions of cells. Over a lifetime, the cells in our bodies grow and divide to replace old or damaged cells, or to become new cells that are needed. But sometimes, the normal process goes wrong. Cancer develops when a single cell has many genetic changes. These changes can cause the cell to grow out of control and divide without stopping when it should. The abnormal cells continue to grow and multiply until they crowd out normal cells or invade adjacent tissue. Cancer cells can also secrete enzymes that break down tissue barriers and allow cancer cells to spread. A variety of different cancers can occur, and each type has its own unique characteristics. The type of cancer that you have determines the symptoms you will experience and how quickly it will spread. Some cancers will not show any signs or symptoms and are diagnosed only by a biopsy or other medical tests. Others will show warning signs that you should watch for and talk to your doctor about, even though these symptoms don’t necessarily mean you have cancer. Scientists aren’t sure what causes some cancers to grow and spread. But they do know that certain substances can cause mutations in the DNA of healthy cells, which could lead to cancer. These substances are known as mutagens, and some types of cancer are linked to specific environmental toxins. For example, cigarette smoke is associated with lung cancer and prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers is linked to mesothelioma. Most people who get cancer are not aware that they have it until it is diagnosed by a doctor or during a screening test for another illness. Symptoms of cancer can vary and include pain, weight loss, fatigue, or a lump in the skin or breasts. Many people who have cancer feel better after treatment. However, side effects are common and can be serious. They can be caused by the type of cancer you have, the treatment you receive, or both. Some side effects can be prevented by taking medicine. Other side effects are less predictable and may be more serious. Talk with your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of treatment to find the best plan for you. The most common treatments are surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. For some cancers, doctors can combine these treatments to shrink a tumor before surgery or kill cancer cells that remain after surgery. Some types of cancer also respond to targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and other therapies. Click on the links below to learn more about the different types of cancer and how they are treated.
Read MoreMedicine is a broad field that covers healthcare and healing. It includes conventional modern medicine and various alternative treatments such as acupuncture, herbal medicine and art therapy. Physicians, nurses, psychologists and other specialists are all part of the medical field. There are many different types of health care providers. Examples are doctor’s offices, hospitals, labs and physical therapy centers. Health insurance companies and prescription drug plans are also providers. A doctor is a person who has been trained and licensed to practice medicine. The training and licensing process usually involves several years of university level education and passing medical board exams. The goal of the medical profession is to promote and maintain health by diagnosis and treatment of disease, injury, and other problems using pharmaceuticals and surgery. Most countries have laws that regulate the practice of medicine. These laws typically require physicians to be trained in “evidence based” medicine and to pass national boards that test their knowledge. These laws are intended to protect patients from charlatans that practice unproven and dangerous therapies. The field of medicine has many sub-fields, including endocrinology (the study of hormones), epidemiology (the study of diseases in populations) and microbiology (the study of bacteria, fungi and viruses). There is also pharmacology, the study of drugs and how they work, and neuroscience, which is the study of the brain and nervous system. There is also a large literature on the history of medicine and healing practices around the world. This literature often provides insight into past cures and how medicine has changed over the centuries. In addition to the fields of science and eugenics, there is an enormous amount of work that goes on in the administrative side of healthcare. There are thousands of diseases, injuries and conditions that need to be documented, along with the numerous tests, services, tools and supplies used by clinicians. All of this information needs to be coded so that it can be tracked and modified over time. It is this coding that makes up most of the “secret sauce” in modern healthcare. There are also numerous other administrative functions that have evolved, such as group purchasing organizations, pharmacy benefit managers and the rise of corporate health systems. Each of these functions serves a purpose, but none are necessary for every interaction between patient and provider.
Read MoreHealth is a concept of well being that includes the physical, mental and social. It is a positive state of being which differs from happiness or contentment, though these may be associated with health. A person’s lifestyle and environment may influence their health status, and a person can experience different levels of health at any given time. A person who is considered healthy will have a body that functions normally and efficiently, in which all systems work together to maintain balance. Often, this is achieved through regular exercise, balanced diet and adequate rest. People in good health will also receive medical treatment when necessary. They will have a sense of fulfilment in their life and the capacity to meet their aspirations. The World Health Organization’s 1948 Constitution defined health as a “state of complete physical, mental and social well being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” This definition is still widely accepted today. Since that time, significant advances have been made in the understanding of diseases and their causes, resulting in new and better treatments and preventive strategies. Globally, average life expectancies have increased significantly, and many of the major diseases that dominated health policy in the 1950s (such as polio, diphtheria and measles) have disappeared. Nevertheless, the underlying causes of health remain largely unchanged and many chronic diseases persist, despite medical advances. This is because a disease may not only be caused by an individual’s genetic makeup or their lifestyle, but the way that individuals interact with their environments and the cultural context within which they live. As such, there is a growing movement toward the view that health is not merely the absence of disease. Some scholars are promoting the idea of salutogenesis, a scientific approach to studying health and wellbeing which focuses on factors that support a person’s health rather than those that cause illness. This contrasts with the traditional pathogenesis approach which seeks to understand the cause of diseases and their symptoms. When writing articles about health, it is important to keep in mind that most readers are looking for practical advice and information. They want to know how they can achieve a healthier lifestyle and are not interested in enormous overarching plans that promise miracle cures. Readers are also expecting a genuine tone and voice from the writer. A condescending or artificial voice can quickly detract from the credibility of an article. The best way to avoid this is to write from a place of personal experience and knowledge. If you are not a health professional, it is best to leave the technical details to those who are. Instead, focus on explaining the effects and consequences of various lifestyle choices on a person’s health. For example, smoking is associated with poor lung function, and excessive alcohol consumption can lead to obesity. Similarly, stress can cause a range of psychological problems. So it is important to learn how to deal with stress effectively.
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