Abstract Explore the issues surrounding the controversial use of DTC advertising by drug manufacturers. The paper investigates the causes and effects of this new marketing phenomenon in an effort to determine what makes DTC advertising so effective in our society.
From the Paper "The pharmaceutical industry has always relied on marketing and advertising to move drugs from manufacturers? laboratories to consumers? medicine cabinets. From 1938, with passage of the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, until the mid 1980s, the industry focused its efforts almost entirely on physicians. Accurately recognizing physicians as their principal customer, drug manufacturers deployed large armies of sales representatives who marched into physicians? offices carrying promotional materials, drug samples, coffee mugs, calendars, "continuing education" dinner invitations and baseball tickets. "
Tags: journalism, magazine, media, television, medicine
Abstract This paper looks at obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It explains the nature of this mental illness and discusses the two main theories about how it occurs. Treatment methods and their effectiveness are looked at. The writer concludes that behavioral therapy is the most effective treatment method.
From the Paper "Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental illness that traps people in endless cycles of repetitive thoughts and behaviors and must repeat certain actions over and over to relieve that stress or to obtain from danger. Pierre Janet described obsessive-compulsive disorder by using the term psychasthenia. Sigmund Freud described obsessions and compulsions as psychological defenses used to deal with sexual and aggressive conflicts in the unconscious mind (Bruce Bower: 1987). OCD is also known as ?The Doubting Disease,? because it's as though the mind doesn?t register when the person does a certain action, which triggers the source of the obsession (USA Today:1995). Unlike most people with anxiety disorders, those diagnosed with OCD are more obsessed with what will happen to others instead of themselves (Edna Foa: 1995). Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder occurs in a spectrum from mild to severe. At some point the person will see the actions or thoughts as unreasonable and senseless. All people have habits and routines, but what makes obsessive-compulsive people different is the fact that their obsessions and compulsions interfere with their daily lives (American Family Physician: 2000)."
Abstract The purpose of this paper is to describe and analyze the retail drugstore industry and then focus on Walgreens, the industry leader in terms of sales. As part of the Walgreens analysis, its major competitors (CVS Corporation and Rite Aid Corporation) will also be described and analyzed.
Defining the Industry
Number and Type of Pharmacies
Drugstores
External Forces and Agents
Health Maintenance Organizations
Sales
Growth Strategies
Competitors
Competition
Technology
Demographic Trends
Suppliers / Vendors
Regulation
Managed Care and Pharmacy Benefit Managers
Walgreens - A Company Snapshot
Positive Demographics Should Help Fuel Growth
Walgreens Strategic Response
Differentiation
Focus
Walgreens SWOT Analysis
Competitive Analysis
Rite Aid Corporation
CVS Corporation
Financial Analysis
From the Paper "During the 1990s, many factors were applying downward pressure on the profit margins of retail drug companies', including the rise of health maintenance organizations (HMOs) and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), advances in information technology, the emergence of e-commerce, and economic power concentrated in the hands of large pharmaceutical companies (Global Powers of Retailing, 2000).Companies in the retail drugstore industry are engaged in the retail sale of prescription drugs, proprietary drugs, and nonprescription medications. Many also sell medical devices, as well as a variety of cosmetics, toiletries, tobacco, novelty items, snack-foods, and beverages (Encyclopedia of American Industry)."
Abstract This paper looks at the positive and negative effects of ecstasy on its users. These effects include physical and mental effects in both the short and long term.. By looking at the drug, the author also get into Raves.
From the Paper "When the word "drugs" come to mind the average person usually thinks of the more commonly known drugs as marijuana, LSD, and cocaine, however, MDMA has been increasing in popularity. MDMA's popularity has caused a rise in usage in most cities around the world. Many adolescence conform with their peers in deciding to try and experiment with MDMA. Societies? youth believes that it is a "feel good" drug and that it does not have any negative effects. The drugs effects are supposed to produce feelings of empathy towards others and increase sociability, communication and increased physical and emotional energy. This can make the user feel as though they are taken from a secondary group with their peers to a more personal level of belonging, such as what they may experience in a primary group or in-group."
Abstract An examination of insulin resistance, a metabolic disorder in which the body has impaired ability to properly deal with dietary carbohydrates such as sugars. The author examines the increasing condition worldwide, especially in industrialized countries, due to a nutritional shift in diets and a predominance of foods that promote insulin production. A look at possible prevention tactics.
From the Paper "Insulin resistance is associated with some of the most common diseases affecting modern societies including, hyperglycemia, glucose intolerance, Type 2 diabetes, hyperinsulinemia, dyslipidemia (including elevated TG and low LDL), hypertension, obesity, and coronary heart disease. People with insulin resistance are more prone to high blood pressure, impaired blood clotting, accumulation of excess fat in the blood, and atherosclerosis. "
Abstract This paper attempt to prove that the mandatory disclosure of HIV/AIDS status violates basic human rights. The author also addresses the question of how the very concept of human rights relates to ethics.
From the Paper "According to the latest statistics in the year 2000 alone, 5.3 million people worldwide have been infected with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). The number of people already living with HIV is 36.1 million worldwide. When the first case of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) caused by HIV was reported twenty years ago, perceptions about the disease were different. Since 5 June 1981, the history of AIDS has witnessed an evolution from an object of medical curiosity to a complex health issue with political, economical, human security and ethical dimensions. Today AIDS is also a workplace issue since HIV positive people have the ability and, moreover, the need to maintain their employment. Should they disclose HIV status, however? No equitable answer is available and discussions on the topic are intense."
Abstract This paper gives some background on the genetic engineering of food. The author focuses on the dangers that stem from genetically engineered food such as possible medical side effects and repercussions to the environment. The author advocates mandatory labeling of foods with genetically engineered ingredients and looks at regulations in other countries.
From the Paper "By far the most severe environmental repercussion of GE crops is that they are a Pandora's box, once they are planted, there is no way to control or recall them. Pollen from GE plants is spread in exactly the same manner as regular pollen, and, therefore, their genetic material will quickly spread to any surrounding fields. This is one of the main reasons why is truly impossible for people to know what they are eating. An organic tomato grown a mile away from a farm that grows GE tomatoes may or may not be infected. Scientists have no way of determining what kind of effects the release of all this genetic pollution will have on the ecosystem (Davis)."
Abstract This paper discusses how important the proper diagnosis of a patient's mood disorder is for finding the proper treatment. Disorders covered include: major depressive disorder, dysthymic disorder, cyclothymic, bi-polar I, and bi-polar II. The author shows how the disorders are broken down into domains and indicates the symptoms for each and how they should be treated.
From the Paper "Bi-polar disorder affects approximately 2.3 million American adults or about 1.2 percent of the U.S. population age 18 and older (Reiger, 1993). Men and women are equally likely to develop bi-polar disorder. The average age of onset for bi-polar disorders is in the early twenties (American Psychiatric Association, 1994). Bi-polar disorders include cyclothymic, bi-polar I, and bi-polar II. Distinction of the actual disorder can sometimes become difficult, therefore, it is crucial to look at all the symptoms the patient is experiencing."
Abstract This paper examines the AIDS epidemic in general and in Black Women in particular. Before focusing on black women, the author discusses how different age and gender groups can contract the disease. Then, he provides statistical evidence that shows that the AIDS rate amongst Black Women was relatively high.
From the Paper "In an article written for BlackWomensHealth Newsletter, the AIDS rate among Black women is three times as high as that among Latino women and 18 times as high as that among White women. Today Black women make up more than half of all women who have died of AIDS. The statistics indicate a disproportionate number of Black females falling victim to HIV and AIDS. African Americans make up 13 percent of the population, yet they now account for 41 percent of all AIDS cases in the United States. The Harvard AIDS Institute estimates that by the year 2000 more than half of all AIDS cases in the United States will be within the African American community. "
Abstract This essay examines erectile dysfunction and how it is a problem that greatly affects men and their sexual performance. This author discusses the problems and chemical and non-chemical cures associated with impotence, risk factors, and the psychological effects of erectile dysfunction. The paper includes several charts and diagrams of chemical compounds.
From the Paper "Erectile dysfunction is a problem that greatly affects men and their sexual performance. In fact, 34% of American men aged 51 to 88 experience severe erectile dysfunction and 52% of all men aged 40 to 70 experienced some degree of impotence. These numbers account for 16% of the general male population, estimating that 1 in 5 men will experience sexual dysfunction in their lifetimes, Handy. Erectile dysfunction occurs when there are erection problems, medical causes, or physiological factors associated with sexual intimacy. However, over the past several years, many pharmaceutical companies have developed both chemical products and non-chemical solutions to help fight this problem."
Tags: chemical, chemistry, penis, sex, sexuality, viagra, gender, sex
Abstract This paper discusses the importance of stretching and avoidance of injuries by fixing muscle imbalances, which are an alteration in the lengths of muscles. The author includes material on synergistic dominance, reciprocal dominance and strategies of stretching. The paper contains research from the National Academy of Sports Medicine, The Journal of Sports Medicine, Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise.
From the Paper:
"If you have ever played sports, or done anything that has to do with physical activity, you have known someone who has injured him/herself from pulling their hamstring, groin, quadriceps, or other common muscles. Unfortunately, too many athletes have no idea why they injured themselves; they usually think it is from overuse, like running too hard, or lifting a ridiculous amount of weight. Never does one hear of an athlete thinking they were injured because of muscle imbalances, which lead to synergistic dominance, which lead to a tear in the muscle. Too many people, athletes in general, are unaware of 1) the causes of injury, and 2) how to avoid injury. Fortunately, injuries can be avoided through means of corrective stretching."
From the Paper "If you have ever played sports, or done anything that has to do with physical activity, you have known someone who has injured him/herself from pulling their hamstring, groin, quadriceps, or other common muscles. Unfortunately, too many athletes have no idea why they injured themselves; they usually think it is from overuse, like running too hard, or lifting a ridiculous amount of weight. Never does one hear of an athlete thinking they were injured because of muscle imbalances, which lead to synergistic dominance, which lead to a tear in the muscle. Too many people, athletes in general, are unaware of 1) the causes of injury, and 2) how to avoid injury. Fortunately, injuries can be avoided through means of corrective stretching."
Tags: arthrokinetics, exercise, imbalance, injuries, kinesiology, muscle, sports, stretch, training
Abstract This paper examines the way advanced technology improves health care. The author looks at various fields for improvement such as quality of health care, costs of health care and the storing of health care information. Included is an analysis of objectives and opportunities for this new system.
Table of Contents
Cover Page
Table of Contents
Executive Summary
Problem Definition/Opportunity
Objectives
Data Analysis
Changes in the Health Care Delivery System?
Managed care"New Users of Health Information"
Integrated Delivery System
The Electronic Medical Record?
Content of Electronic Medical Records?
Advantages of Electronic Medical Records?
Disadvantages of Electronic Medical Records
Why is Protection of Medical Records Information Critical?
Examples of Misuse?
Improper Disposal?
Improper Disclosure?
Improper Access
Methods By Which Electronic Records May Be Protected
Current Federal and State Legislation
Federal Protections?
Privacy Act of 1974?
Freedom of Information Act of 1966?
Americans with Disabilities Act?
Medicare Conditions of Participation?
Constitutional Law
State Protections?
Statutes?
Common Law
Private Sector
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability
Findings
Recommendation
Bibliography
From the paper:
"Information technology promises many benefits to health care. By helping to make accurate information more readily available to providers, payers, researchers, administrators, and patients, advanced computing and communications technology can help improve the quality and lower the costs of health care. Information technology is becoming increasingly important to the health care industry as organizations attempt to find ways of lowering the costs of care while improving its quality. Much of the demand for information technology is driven by structural changes in the health care industry and its methods of care. At the same time, the prospect of storing health information in electronic form raises concerns about patient privacy and data security."
Abstract This paper covers the much debated issue of the Medicare program's lack of prescription drug coverage for the elderly and disabled in the US. A brief history of the program itself, descriptions of and actions taken by the key players in the debate, including the Medicare recipients themselves, support/interest groups such as the AARP, the government, pharmaceutical agencies, and the American public are included.
From the paper:
"At the time of its establishment in 1965 through to the present, the U.S. Medicare program was designed to provide quality health care services for elderly and disabled Americans. The two-part program provides coverage for hospital visits as well as a limited amount of medical insurance to aid with doctors? bills and things of the like. Although it has always been one of the most popular federal programs among elderly and younger citizens alike, the Medicare program has been and remains to grow progressively ineffective in providing quality health care to its recipients. While issues such as the exclusion of certain medical procedures from Medicare's coverage realm have come and gone, the single most longstanding issue of debate is that of prescription drugs."
Abstract This paper looks at the different factors that need to be addressed when designing hand-held power tools. The author argues that when ergonomic factors are Incorporated into their design, there are less instances of injury, less sick days, and production is increased as a result.
From the paper:
"A well-designed tool can provide a number of important advantages that can be immediately noticeable. Ergonomically designed hand-tools contribute to the prevention of injuries which will then increase productivity on a continuous basis, improve the quality of the products produced, and reduce the absenteeism in a company for health related causes. Properly controlling the ergonomic factors such as the physical loads a person exerts (through the design of the handle and trigger), vibrations, and noise of the hand tool will decrease the chances of an injury occurring on the job."
Tags: ergonomics, hand, held, power, tools, workplace, injury, design, production
Abstract This paper deals with the legal, medical and ethical implications of the sale of human organs from live people and the selling of cadaveric organs. The paper explores the opinions of those both for and against legalizing organ selling, as well as describing the current situation, and concludes that organ selling should be legalized.
From the Paper "Recently the topic of organ selling has become a popular topic for debate among bioethicists. As thousands of human beings continue to suffer, many people are beginning to explore the option of human organ sales; however, while there are those who argue for such an option, they must first consider those who stand by the government and completely abhor the idea. The arguments against the sale of organs are driven by the following concerns: it could exploit poor people who are willing to donate their organs solely for payment, it might favor the wealthy, and it could motivate families to withdraw treatment. Many ethicists also believe organ selling demeans the human body. They feel that if you allow organ selling to take place, the Nation's faith in human pride will be shattered. Those opposed to organ selling raise the issue that although a Market Economy is relatively beneficial, unless it is monitored correctly, our human rights, such as social justice, bodily integrity and political freedoms will be stripped away. The greatest fear among those who strongly oppose the sale of organs is that people may murder each other in order to obtain money for their victim's death."
