Madam Kwans Health Guide - Page 2

Otosclerosis: What It Is, How It Affects Hearing, and What You Can Do

Otosclerosis is a common cause of hearing loss in adults under 50, caused by abnormal bone growth around the stapes. It leads to progressive conductive hearing loss, especially in low tones. Treatments include hearing aids and stapedotomy surgery, with 90% success rates. Early diagnosis is key.

ALS Care: How Noninvasive Ventilation and Nutrition Strategies Extend Life and Improve Daily Function

Noninvasive ventilation and proper nutrition are two of the most effective ways to extend life and improve daily function in ALS. Early use of NIV and timely PEG tube placement can add over a year to survival and significantly boost quality of life.

Why Switch to Generic Medications: Proven Reasons and Real Savings

Switching to generic medications saves up to 85% on prescription costs without sacrificing safety or effectiveness. Learn why generics are just as good-and how to make the switch confidently.

VA Generic Coverage: How Veterans Affairs Formularies Control Prescription Costs and Benefits

Learn how the VA formulary controls prescription costs with generic-first coverage, three-tier copays, Meds by Mail, and real examples of covered drugs. Save money and avoid surprises.

Cost Sharing Explained: Deductibles, Copays, and Coinsurance for Medication and Medical Care

Understand how deductibles, copays, and coinsurance work with your health insurance - especially for medications. Learn how to save money, avoid surprise bills, and use your plan wisely.

Safe Use of Multiple Medications: How to Avoid Dangerous Double Ingredients

Avoid dangerous medication errors by learning how to spot and prevent double ingredients in your prescriptions and OTC drugs. Simple steps can stop liver damage, drowsiness, and hospitalizations.

Pharmaceutical Equivalence for Generics: What It Really Means When You Fill a Prescription

Pharmaceutical equivalence ensures generic drugs have the same active ingredient, dose, and form as brand-name drugs. It's the first step to safe, affordable substitution-but it's not the whole story.

Breastfeeding and Medications: What You Need to Know About Drug Transfer Through Breast Milk

Most medications are safe while breastfeeding. Learn how drugs transfer into breast milk, which ones to avoid, and how to take them safely without stopping nursing.

How to Avoid Transcription Errors from E-Prescribing Systems

E-prescribing reduced handwriting errors but created new transcription mistakes. Learn the six proven strategies to stop digital prescription errors before they harm patients.

Generic Copays vs Brand Copays: Average 2024 Costs Explained

In 2024, generic drug copays averaged $4.50 while brand-name copays hit $100. Understand how Medicare and private insurance tiers work, why the gap exists, and how to save hundreds on prescriptions.

SAMe and Antidepressants: What You Need to Know About Mood Effects and Interaction Risks

SAMe may help with mild depression and works faster than antidepressants, but combining it with SSRIs or SNRIs can trigger serotonin syndrome. Learn the risks, symptoms, and safe practices if you're considering this supplement.

How to Read Prescription Label Directions Like BID, TID, and PRN

Learn how to decode common prescription abbreviations like BID, TID, and PRN so you can take your meds safely and correctly. Understand timing, risks, and what to ask your pharmacist.