A shortage of workers in many countries is a major obstacle for health care systems as they attempt to respond effectively to chronic diseases, avian influenza and other challenges, according to a recent report by the World Health Organization.
The United States is affected by this shortage as well. Acute personnel shortages occur in allied health professions such as medical technology and respiratory therapy. Sufficient numbers of these practitioners are not available to deal with the regular flow of patient needs that must be met.
Also worrisome is the threat posed by bioterrorism and the additional demands that such acts would place on a system that already is under strain. If such an event were to occur, laboratory technicians and respiratory therapists would be in high demand. Laboratory tests would be necessary to determine how victims have been affected, and breathing difficulties would have to be treated by qualified technicians.
Nursing shortages have received much public attention recently. Depending on what professions and levels are included, allied health is as large as or larger than nursing. Similar to nursing, many applicants to allied health programs are denied admission because of shortages of faculty, clinical training sites and related resources.
Many students are attracted to a career in a health profession, but the costs of obtaining an education are becoming more of a barrier. Funding for education by the states is at its lowest in 25 years, and support per student has decreased significantly due to increased enrollment and inflation in the economy. Total tax revenues have declined as a percentage of state wealth.
Another factor is the increased expenses for Medicaid programs, which continue to require a larger share of the overall budget in each state.
As a means of addressing the situation, the Association of Schools of Allied Health Professions is working with several other organizations to advance S. 473, the Allied Health Professions Reinvestment Act of 2005, and H.R. 215, a companion bill. Introduced in Congress in 2005, this proposed legislation is designed to furnish a remedy for the allied health work force problems. If something isn't done soon, the organization warns, there will be an alarming increase in adverse events affecting patients because of an inadequate supply of allied health caregivers.
Allied Health Work Force Shortages Pose Concern
Frigidity: A Growing Sexual Health Concern Among Women
Summary:
This article summarizes basic information on a sexual health condition in
women called Female Sexual Arousal Disorder. This condition only affects women
and is caused by several factors including medications, underlying medical conditions, or
psychological factors.
Keywords:
woman's sexual health
Article Body:
Having female sexual dysfunction can be bothersome, a terrible condition similar to erectile
dysfunction in men. Inadequate sexual function in women can be a complex problem that can have
many different causes. An estimated 40% of women suffer from sexual dysfunction, and might be
caused by any physical illness, or may be linked to psychological factors. This condition mainly
affects a woman's sexual health, and has symptoms including lack of sexual desire, inability to
enjoy sex, insufficient vaginal lubrication, and even failure to have an orgasm.
Also known as Female Sexual Arousal Disorder (FSAD), this condition still makes women
psychologically desire for sex, but their genital area fails to respond normally, making it
painful or impossible to have sex. When men and women normally get aroused, their genitals become
engorged with blood. For women, this results in the enlargement of the clitoris and surrounding
tissues (comparable to a male erection), secretion of vaginal lubrication, and relaxation and
widening of the vaginal opening for intercourse.
A woman's sexual health is affected by a number of other health conditions. In this case, FSAD
can result from an underlying medical condition such as high blood pressure or diabetes. This can
also be caused by certain irritations, infections, and growth in the vaginal area. It can also be
a negative physiological reaction to certain birth control methods. This condition may also be
caused by medications used to treat high blood pressure, peptic ulcers, depression, anxiety, or
cancer. Another reason may be due to a combination of physical, hormonal, or emotional changes
that occur during or after pregnancy, or while breast feeding. In addition, FSAD can also be
linked to several psychological causes including depression, poor self-esteem, sexual abuse, fear
of pregnancy, inadequate or ineffective foreplay, feelings of shame or guilt about sex, or stress
and fatigue.
For treatment of FSAD, on going research has suggested that the use of Viagra for treating sexual
disorders in women helps increase blood flow, thereby increasing physical stimulation in the
genital area. However, researchers are still waiting for evidence that Viagra could actually work
on women. For now, physicians concentrate on eliminating medications that might have a negative
impact on a woman's sexual health. Doctors also review the effects of certain contraceptive
methods that can be a possible factor for FSAD.
For women who suffer from vaginal dryness, it is recommended for them to use lubricants before
having sexual intercourse in order to prevent pain. On the other hand, some physicians recommend
women to practice Kegel Exercises, a form of exercise that helps in developing the muscles around
the outer part of the vagina. These muscles are involved in the production of pleasurable
sensations. Adding to this, psychological counseling can also play an integral role in treating
women with sexual problems, including FSAD. Coaching in sexual foreplay as well as stimulation
techniques can also contribute to the wellness of a woman who suffers from FSAD.
Upon knowing all these, women can now become more aware of this sexual health condition that
might be experienced by many, but is often misunderstood. Consulting one's physician may be the
best way to know more about FSAD. Constant check-up sessions with the physician or gynecologist
will also help women prevent or address such a frustrating sexual condition.