Kerry Donald Bell

Like me, if you enjoy travelling, then I’m sure that food is one of the major reasons why you travel. This is one aspect of travelling that never fails to amaze me. You can tell a lot about a country by sampling its food.

Food is also something that we New Zealanders take pride in. As a lot of my friends abroad wanted to know about the country, I thought, “What better way to help them understand more about New Zealand than talking about the local delicacies?”



Food of New Zealand

New Zealand has a wonderful mix of Maori and European cuisines. Add to it the continual growth of Asian cuisine, and delicacies from the Pacific islands, and you have a smorgasbord of sights, aromas, and tastes. However, I would like to talk about some dishes and styles of cooking that are quintessentially Kiwi.

• Seafood: With a coastline of 14,000 kilometres, seafood is an essential part of New Zealand cuisine. A local speciality here is green lipped mussels, a shellfish dish that can be cooked with parmesan cheese or Thai red curry. Another local dish is bluff oysters. These are grown in the waters of the Foveaux Strait. We even have a Bluff oyster festival in May to commemorate this dish.

Other seafood delicacies include deep fried whitebait, which are caught during springtime. Scallops are also a favourite as they are found in abundance here. Like the bluff oyster, we hold a scallop festival every September.

• Maori Hangi: The term ‘Hangi’ stands for ‘earth oven.’ This is a traditional Maori cooking method, however, it is only used for special occasions now. The hangi can be used to cook savoury as well as sweet dishes. Simple dishes include chicken or seafood, steamed or slow cooked along with vegetables. If you have a craving for something sweet, you can check out some traditional hangi steamed pudding.

• Desserts: Kiwis are known for their sweet tooth, and ice cream is a passion for us. A favourite is Hokey Pokey – vanilla ice cream with honeycomb. Another local favorite is Pavlova – a meringue type dish, which is served with fresh fruit and cream. This dish is particularly popular during the Christmas season. If this does not entice your taste buds, the simplest side treat can be a bowl of kiwifruit, which is known for its taste and health benefits.

There is so much more that I can tell you about the culinary side New Zealand. However, simply writing about it won’t be enough. You will have to come here and experience it.

If you’re an Aucklander, chances are you have gone on a fishing trip. Fishing is a popular and longstanding hobby for Auckland residents, with many great locations in and around the city. If you are thinking of coming to Auckland, and fishing is your main goal, then you need to have inside information on the best places to go.

Where to Fish around Auckland

Being a fishing enthusiast myself, I have tried to find different places in and around the city where you can find a quiet place, cast your line, and catch some amazing fish. For first timers, I would recommend the following fishing spots.

• Waitemata Harbor: Also known as Auckland Harbor, this forms the north and east coast along the Auckland peninsula. Despite being a central port, Waitemata has many points of access along the wharves and headlands. You have the opportunity to fish for strong young snappers here. Weekends are a good time to come here, as the ferries are not as frequent as during the week.

• City Suburbs: The harbor can be used as a starting point to travel to fishing areas close by. Coastal suburbs known as great fishing spots include the Herne Bay wharf, Tamaki Drive, and the Orakei wharf. Fishing enthusiasts will find the fish biting in these areas, and you can catch garfish and kingfish.

• South Auckland: The southern part of Auckland also has a variety of fishing hubs. The old Mangere Bridge off Manukau Harbor, as well as the Huia wharf are great attractions for young and old fishing enthusiasts. You will find various types of snapper, gurnard, and the coastal fish kahawai.

• Eastern Auckland: Besides the harbors and wharfs, Auckland also boasts of beaches that are sought after by recreational fisherman. Maraetai Beach and Duder’s Beach are among the well-known locales to set up your fishing line. Another favorite spot is Musick Point, located east of the Tamaki River. These three areas are rich with trevally, kingfish, snappers, and large kahawai.

• Kawakawa Bay: Kawakawa Bay is a place that will meet all the needs of rock fishing. By that, I mean a singular rock near the water, where a man can cast a line and pass hours at a time. Rock formations are found just off the main bay. Despite the kelp that is floating around in the water, you can have the opportunity to fish here. Flounder and king fish are known to swim through these waters.



These are some of my favorite fishing spots in and around Auckland. If you happen to visit any of these places any time soon, do reply to this post, telling me about your experiences.

The time of spring breaks and summer vacations is almost here. Having travelled to different countries around the world, there are some places that have truly captured my heart. So much so, I make it a point to plan a trip with my family to visit them whenever possible. For us, there is one particular place that we consider a dream destination – Hawaii! If you are looking for a place with sun, sand, great food, courteous people, and a rich history and culture, then Hawaii is the destination for you.



Top 5 Reasons to Visit Hawaii

Here are some of the reasons why I recommend Hawaii for a spring/summer vacation.

1. The Weather: Hawaii is known for the amazing weather. On an average, the temperature remains steady between 80 and 85 degrees. Also, the lush greenery and coastal environment create a cool breezy atmosphere. It creates an ambience akin to paradise.

2. The Beaches and the Oceans: You may be astounded to hear this, but Hawaii has over 400 open beaches, and 750+ miles of shoreline. This gives you unlimited choices of beaches and ocean views. Various underwater activities allow you to explore the vast greenery and ocean wildlife available around the islands.

3. Beautiful Scenery: One of the first things that you notice here is the pristine beauty of the islands. The main island of Hawaii has volcanoes, valleys, and waterfalls. Kauai Island has amazing sea cliffs, the Waimea Canyon, and the Na Pali Coast. Oahu Island has the North Shore and Hanauma Bay. Maui Island consists of 'Iao Valley, the Hana Coast, and Haleakala National Park.

4. Food: When it comes to food, Hawaii is an international melting pot. There are five different styles of Hawaiian cuisine, which showcases a rich vegetarian and non-vegetarian food history. All the dishes are prepared with fresh, bright, colorful, organic ingredients. Besides the local Hawaiian cuisine, you will also find restaurants providing dishes from Chinese, Italian, Korean, Mexican, Portuguese, Vietnamese, and Thai cuisines.

5. Complete Fun & Relaxation: If fun and relaxation are the main reasons for your trip, then Hawaii provides an array of spas, resorts, retreats, and beach side shacks. Most places also offer low cost options for families with kids.

If adventure sports are your idea of a holiday, then there are a variety of water sports like surfing, sailing, boating, fishing, scuba diving, snorkeling, surfing, and kayaking.

Need I say more? So the next time you plan a summer vacation, simply pack your bags, and get ready to say ‘Aloha!’

Non-invasive cosmetic surgery and dermatology have grown in importance and popularity over the last few years. People have become more image conscious, and this has led to many youngsters and adults opting for non-invasive therapies.

In 2014, the American Society for Dermatological Surgery (ASDS) conducted a survey on non-invasive cosmetic procedures. The survey took opinions of the public on whether they would opt for cosmetic procedures to improve their appearance. Out of 8,300 survey participants, 52% said they would prefer to use non-invasive techniques to refresh their appearance.

Reasons behind the Growth of Cosmetics and Dermatology

The survey proves that many women and men are giving a great deal of thought about cosmetic or dermatological procedures, and how it affects their appearance. There are a variety of reasons for the growing interest in cosmetics and dermatology:

• New technologies have led to the availability of many non-invasive techniques.

• New technologies ensures fewer side effects.

• With higher paying jobs, consumers are in a better position to opt for high cost and quality treatments.

• More people have become aware of dermatology and cosmetics as industries. They are also aware of the benefits accrued from cosmetic procedures.



Current Trends in the Dermatology Industry

Keeping all the above points in mind, there are certain cosmetic and dermatological trends that may be seen 2015 onwards. The below points have been taken from spa industry publication, Americanspa.com:

• Certain minimally invasive procedures like fillers, Botox, and photo rejuvenation will continue to grow in popularity.

• According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), in 2013, out of 1,000,000 cosmetic procedures, 9% of these were for male patients. Although still a minority, men will also play a part in the number of people opting for cosmetic procedures.

• Perhaps the biggest trend that will aid the dermatology and cosmetics industries is the expanding age groups. Today, cosmetic procedures are not restricted to only youngsters or adults. Both age groups are realizing the importance of these techniques, and are opting for the same.

There is a lot of work going into cosmetic research as well. Various organizations are conducting tests to create and provide Botox in a gel formulation. It is expected that clinical trials will begin by the end of this year, or early 2016.

The various trends may lead to greater knowledge and understanding of cosmetics and dermatology. One may see more people giving aesthetic medicine as much importance as their medical healthcare.

One inescapable factor that is the underlying reason for many diseases and health problems is stress. Stress could be a major factor for the onset or escalation of a disease. While many of us may know that stress can lead to internal problems, did you know that it can also be a reason for skin problems? Let’s find out more about this.

Understanding How Stress Affects the Skin

When your body is undergoing immense stress, or encounters a dangerous situation, the brain’s hypothalamus sets off the body’s alarm system. The system communicates to the adrenal glands to release different types of stress hormones such as cortisol, adrenaline, and epinephrine. Adrenaline elevates your heart rate, blood pressure, and the body’s energy. Cortisol increases glucose in the bloodstream and the brain begins using more glucose. Such stress hormones affect the nerve endings that are located around the skin, and can irritate the skin causing certain reactions like pimples or acne.

Why is this Important?

Most of us can say that this is a natural process that need not be given too much importance. However, skin conditions can be taken as a sign that the body is undergoing turmoil, and the problem needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Examples of these can be anxiety, hypertension, digestive problems, heart disease, and even depression. Also, with many parts of society focusing on the appearance of people, skin conditions caused by stress can lead to social ridicule.

Types of Skin Conditions caused by Stress

As mentioned above, stress can result in the body exhibiting a variety of skin conditions. The list below highlights a few simple and complex conditions:

• Sty: This is a simple example where the stress hormones create excess heat in the body, leading to the growth of a boil on the edge of the eyelid.

• Vitiligo: A traumatic event, such as a death in the family, or supporting a loved one in critical care, can create a fear response in the body, which may lead to vitiligo. Stress can destroy the pigments under the skin, which leads to large white patches and even sunburn.

• Eczema: While stress may not cause this condition, it can worsen the symptoms to a great extent. When the body is stressed, it causes a self-defense mechanism to take place within the body. In the case of eczema, this leads to skin inflammation, which aggravates the condition.

• Shingles: Also known as herpes zoster, this is a blistering skin rash that affects one side of the face or torso. Shingles is generally caused due to a weak immune system. Immense psychological stress can lead to shingle outbreaks in young adults and elderly people.

• Psoriasis: There is an interrelationship between stress and psoriasis. Stress can be a major cause for the condition, while psoriasis can lead to more stress. It is also known to worsen the condition.

• Pityriasis Rosea: A skin rash that lasts for about six to eight weeks, pityriasis rosea can be aggravated with the onset of stress. Stress can also add to the other symptoms that are experienced with this rash, such as flu, sore throat, nausea, fatigue, aching, and decreased appetite.



How to Prevent Stress Related Skin Conditions

Treatments for stress related skin conditions can vary between topical treatments and alternative therapies. It would be advisable to undergo both treatments simultaneously to ensure complete and faster recovery.

• Topical Treatments: This treatment type includes using skincare products with organic compounds.

• Benzoyl peroxide: This organic compound is used in creams and ointments to treat acne. Retinoids are another compound designed for acne treatments.


• Corticosteroids: A compound used to treat eczema, corticosteroids is available in many forms including foams, creams, lotions, and ointments.


• Salicylic acid: This drug is an active ingredient in many skin care products for the treatment of warts and rashes.

• Alternative Therapies: The following therapies help rid the body of stress, and thus alleviate one of the primary causes of a skin condition:

• Relaxation Training: This comprises any technique, process, or procedure that can help reduce the stress levels of the patient. Examples of these are yoga, QiGong, pranayama, and Tai Chi.


• Massage Therapy: Getting massages at regular intervals can help the body and mind maintain a de-stressed state. Reduced stress levels can help enhance the dissipation speed of a skin condition.


• Habit Reversal Training: Many times, regular outbursts of skin conditions can result in the patient picking and scratching the skin. If left unchecked, this can become a negative routine. Habit reversal training is designed to treat and impede any behavioral disorder that is a result of a skin condition.

Skin conditions can become recurring problems if left unchecked. Understanding how stress can affect skin diseases can help you make quick and smart decisions in terms of treatment, and thus, maintain your health.

1. Focus on your Education: A strong educational foundation can go a long way in shaping your career. At the basic level, you need to at least have a background in life science. For your Bachelor’s education, it would be advisable to have a combination of a science major, and a second major like marketing or communications.

There are two benefits to this – the science major will give you the freedom to work in different fields within the pharmaceutical industry. The marketing or communications major will put you in a position to understand the business side of the industry.

If pharmacy is your main goal, then you should look at a course that will help you get registered as a licensed pharmacist. Examples of these can be Bachelor of Pharmacy, Diploma Pharmacy Programs, or MSc in Pharmaceutical Technology. Also, a strong foundation can be of great help if you ever decide to start your own business.

2. Get Work Experience: A pharmaceutical consultant’s job broadly deals with working with clients and creating in-house strategies that can streamline work processes. Understanding the workings of various departments within a pharmacy or a pharmaceutical company is imperative. Depending on the department in which you are offered a job (R&D, sales and marketing, communications, etc.), take the time to create a strong foundation of experience and knowledge. Try to get first-hand experience working in all the different segments of a pharmaceutical company. For example, if you are into R&D, see if you can also get training in marketing and communications. Most companies offer training programs or seminars that can help you. Ensure that you have a minimum of 3 to 4 years of work experience before you make any plans to study further, or move to a different organization.

3. Work to Attain a Management Position: This point is about gaining knowledge and mastering the art of handling store branches, employees, products, marketing strategies, campaigns, etc. Combined with strong technical knowledge, this will also put you in a good position to attract, create, and maintain good relations with clients.

4. Keep Up with Latest Trends and Happenings: Knowledge and experience will certainly help you in your career as a consultant. However, it is extremely important that you keep your eyes and ears open about the latest trends and changes taking place in the industry. This will put you in a stronger position when pitching products and solutions to clients, and convincing them to make changes in their companies.

5. Create a Strong Network: The help of a friend or colleague can go a long way. Ensure you have a good network of contacts within your company and the industry. Take the time to converse with your seniors, peers, as well as professionals and representatives of other organizations. Attend conferences and trade shows; share your knowledge as well as get more information. A strong network will allow you to have the right people on your side as you move ahead in your career.

6. Be Ready for the Long Haul: Even if you have performed all the points mentioned above, your career as a pharmaceutical consultant will require time to take off. Do not get frustrated if things do not work out at first. Keep working and try to find ways to get new projects. Be willing to multi-task, work on multiple projects at a time. This will help you create a strong reputation in the industry, and even help you find new clients.

Passion, dedication, and smart future planning can go long way to establishing your career. A combination of all these points can lead to a strong and stable career as a successful pharmaceutical consultant.

A variety of diseases have become startlingly commonplace in many parts of the world today. Diabetes is one particular disease that affects numerous people. In 2014, the World Health Organization estimated that 9% of adults globally aged 18 years and above suffer from diabetes.

Diabetes is also known to affect different parts of the body, including the skin, which is a primary organs. In certain cases, skin problems are one of the greatest indicators that a person may be suffering from diabetes. However, skin conditions due to diabetes are treatable.

Common Skin Conditions Associated with Diabetes
Skin conditions that occur due to the onset of diabetes are either general or specific in nature. Hence, many can be treated, and prevented when caught in the early stages. Let’s take a look at both types and their prevention methods.

• General Conditions:
  • Itching: This is usually caused by dry skin, poor blood circulation, or a yeast infection. A few simple tips to prevent itching are to have lukewarm baths, and reduce the number of baths during humid seasons. You can also use a mild moisturizing soap while bathing, and apply a skin cream thereafter.
  
  
  • Bacterial Infections: These include boils, sties, carbuncles, nail infections, and folliculitis. The infections usually result in inflamed tissues, which are red, swollen, hot, and painful.
  
  
  • Fungal Infections: Diabetes related fungal infections are generally caused by a yeast-like fungus called Candida albicans. This can create rashes, scales, and blisters that are extremely itchy. Candida albicans usually occurs between toes and fingers, and nail edges, mouth corners, under breasts, on the groin, and in the armpit areas.
  
  If you are suffering from bacterial or fungal infections, it is advisable to visit your dermatologist for a solution.


• Diabetes Specific Skin Conditions:
  • Allergic Reactions: The use of insulin, diabetic pills, or diabetic allopathic medication can lead to allergic reactions in some patients. Some of the common allergy symptoms include:
    • Hives
    • Sneezing
    • Runny nose
    • Ear popping
    • Itchy roof of mouth
    • Stuffy and itchy nose
    • Watery and itchy eyes
    • Dark circles under the eyes
    • Pressure in nose and cheeks
    • Ears feeling full or blocked
    
    The easiest way to alleviate an allergic reaction is to consult your doctor and get the medication changed. When using insulin injections, always ensure that you do not inject on any rashes, bumps, or depressions.
  
  
  • Bullosis Diabeticorum: The common name for this condition is diabetic blisters. This is a rare condition but there is a possibility of it occurring. The blisters are identified as large burn sores, but they do not have redness, and do not cause any pain. Bullosis diabeticorum can occur on a patient’s fingers, hands, forearms, legs, toes, and feet.
    
    One major reason for the growth of these blisters is low blood sugar. As long as this is managed and kept under control, the blisters are considered harmless. Doctors usually recommend leaving these blisters alone, as they mostly heal by themselves.
  
  
  • Acanthosis Nigricans: This condition is identified by the browning or tanning of certain areas of the body. Generally, acanthosis nigricans affects the armpits and hands, elbows, knees, groin, and sides of the neck. This condition is commonly seen in diabetics with weight problems. Usually, a balanced diet and regular exercise can help get rid of these symptoms. If the symptoms persist, you can also speak to your dermatologist about using creams or lotions to reduce the tan.
  
  
  • Necrobiosis Lipoidica Diabeticorum: Also known as NLD, this disease causes changes to the body’s small blood vessels. This results in spots or scaly patches on various parts of the body. While these are few in number, they are large in size and quite deep as well. The spots first appear as raised, red and dull areas, which then grow into a deep violet colored scar. NLD spots are known to cause pain and itching. They can even crack open, which can aggravate the skin condition. This condition does not necessarily require treatment as long as the spots don’t crack open.
  
  
  • Eruptive Xanthomatosis: This condition is commonly seen in patients who suffer from Type 1 diabetes, and occurs when the diabetes is beyond a certain measure of control. Eruptive xanthomatosis comprises stiff pea-like enlargements that are yellow in color. The enlargements are further identified by a red halo, which may cause itching. Affected areas of the body include arms, legs, feet, buttocks, and the back of hands. Bringing the diabetes to a controllable stage will result in the symptoms receding.
  
  
  • Digital Sclerosis: Digital sclerosis is another disease that affects patients with Type 1 diabetes. The term ‘digital’ refers to the fact that this condition affects the toes and fingers (digits) of the arms and legs. The symptoms include tight, thick, waxy skin and immense thickness. This encumbers the functioning of the digits. However, in some rare cases, the symptoms extend to the ankles, knees, and elbows as well. This condition can also be managed once the diabetes is brought under control.
  
  
  • Disseminated Granuloma Annulare: This is identified by rashes or raised areas on the body. The rashes are shaped as rings or arcs, and are generally seen on the ears, fingers, and the torso. They can also be identified by their colors, which can be red, normal skin color, or a combination of red and brown.

As diabetes is a disease that can lead to difficult circumstances for the patient, it is always advisable to make regular visits to the doctor, and take his advice before taking any preventive steps. If allopathic medications do not agree with you, speak to your doctor about organic gels, creams, and lotions, which can be used to deal with such skin conditions.

Our fast paced lives, as well as constant, growing stresses can take a toll on our bodies. One of the most common negative results of current lifestyles is hair loss. This can be a difficult and embarrassing problem to deal with. Let’s take a look at hair loss in detail.

Causes of Hair Loss

Hair loss is primarily a genetic disposition. However, there are a number of reasons why hair loss can take place:

• Hormonal Factors: Hormonal conditions are often the primary cause of male or female pattern baldness. Seen most commonly in men, this condition is usually triggered by changes in the body’s hormones. As we all know, hormonal changes first occur during puberty. That is why a lot of men who are genetically predisposed to baldness usually lose their hair from puberty onwards (actor Patrick Stewart is a good example).
  
  Hormonal changes can also occur due to other factors. A poor diet, where the body is not getting enough Vitamins A and B, can result in hair thinning and baldness. Mental stress can often lead to hair loss as well. In women, some of the common causes of female pattern baldness are pregnancy, menopause, stress of child birth, and cessation of birth control pills.


• Medical Conditions: A variety of medical conditions can also be the cause for hair loss. Some of the most common diseases are:
  • Scalp Infections: After hereditary conditions, infections like scalp ringworm, folliculitis, and dermatitis, can create oily, scaly skin on the scalp, causing hair loss. However, these are treatable, and the hair grows back once the patient is cured of the infection.
  
  
  • Thyroid Problems: To a great extent, hair growth depends on the proper functioning of the thyroid gland. Hence, if the gland is underactive (hypothyroidism), or overactive (hyperthyroidism), it can cause hormonal changes in the body, which leads to hair loss.
  
  
  • Alopecia Areata: This is a type of auto-immune disease where the immune system begins to attack the body’s hair follicles. This can result in hair thinning, short hair stubs, and in rare cases, complete baldness.
  
  
  • Skin Disorders: Besides skin infections, a variety of skin disorders can also lead to baldness. Common skin conditions include:
    • Psoriarsis - High skin cell growth leads to shedding and flaking of old skin. The old skin flakes accumulate on the skin surface, resulting in redness, and itchy skin.
    
    
    • Lichen Planus – A skin rash triggered by the immune system.
    
    
    • Atopic Eczema – An itchy skin condition and a form of dermatitis.
  
  
• Medication: Hair loss can also be a symptom of debilitating or life threatening diseases. Drugs that are prescribed to treat conditions like cancer, arthritis, heart problems, depression, or even high blood pressure, can result in hair loss.

Needless to say, it is important to look after your skin, hair, and body, to reduce or prevent the onset of hair loss.

Is Medication the Answer?

One can find a variety of pharmaceutical products in the market to treat hair loss. However, it is always advisable to choose alternative courses rather than allopathic medication. The greatest disadvantage of allopathy is that the patient can suffer from many side effects. For this main reason, it is advisable to look at pharmaceuticals that are developed from natural ingredients.

How to Find the Right Medication to Treat Hair Loss

Since there are a number of medicines made from natural substances, the easiest way to choose the right product is to look at the ingredients used in a product’s formulation. Having this knowledge can reduce the number of trials and errors, and help you find the most suitable product for your scalp needs.

Here are some of the common ingredients that are used in naturotherapeutic medications:

• Aloe Vera: Perhaps the most popular natural ingredient in hair products, aloe vera is largely used as a hair moisturizer. It also helps to keep the scalp moist in dry weather, and eliminates the growth of flaky skin. It also has anti-bacterial properties, which makes it useful to fight germs and prevent infections.


• Baicapil: This is an active ingredient in many hair products. It consists of a combination of soy, wheat sprouts, and the flowering plant baicalensis. Baicapil enhances the growth (anagen) phase of hair follicles, activates the rest (telogen) phase of hair follicles, and increases the overall proportion of the two phases.


• Avocado Oil: A popular ingredient in many natural hair products, avocado oil is known for its stability and deep scalp penetration. It is extremely rich in Beta carotene, as well as Vitamins A, B1, B2, D, and E. It is particularly useful for dry hair.


• Kerarice: This is also an active plant ingredient, and is obtained from rice grain. Kerarice contains peptides, amino acids, phytic acid, and polysaccharides. Kerarice offers a variety of benefits such as increasing hair shine and softness, protecting hair from UV rays, preventing the fading of hair color, and repairing internal hair structure.

While hair loss is a common problem, it can be reduced or even eliminated. A good understand of hair loss, its causes, and the various ingredients in hair products, can help patients choose the best solution to this growing problem.

The health care industry is progressing like never before. There are many innovative solutions that are being developed both in terms of drug research, time-saving apps, and new medical products. As you can imagine, the price of good healthcare in the near future is going to be anything but inexpensive.

There has been a continual rise in prices of various medicines, especially generic drugs that are bought by patients on a regular basis. Glass Box Analytics, a consultancy, and analytics company, studied and followed the progress of 4,421 generic drug groups from Nov 2013 to Nov 2014. The company found that out of this large group, 222 drug groups experienced more than a 100 percent increase in price.

One well-known example is the price of the drug tetracycline, which is mainly used for treating different kinds of bacterial infections. In 2013, the price for this drug was $0.0345 per tablet. However, in the following year, the price increased to $2.3632 per tablet.

Generally, the public is outraged when a sudden price rise take place. Often drug companies are accused of hiking prices just to bring in a larger profit, and not thinking of the public’s requirements. While I agree that some companies have indeed tried unscrupulous methods, one bad egg does not mean that the whole basket is rotten.



Reasons behind the Hike in Drug Prices

There are many legitimate reasons behind the continual rise in drug prices. The most important reasons are:

• Merging of Generic Drug Companies: The logic behind this reason is simple. When you have multiple companies providing the same type of drug to cure a certain ailment, there is a huge amount of competition. Higher the competition, lower the price. With generic drug companies consolidating to increase their research and manufacturing capabilities, the competition is far less. Hence, the rise in prices.


• Shortage of Raw Materials: Every drug contains one primary element or compound, which is responsible for the drug’s performance. These days, finding a producer who can provide quality raw materials to create generic drugs is difficult. To satiate the demand, manufacturers end up importing raw materials from other countries, which is by no means inexpensive. This leads to a rise in the price of a drug.


• Problems in Manufacturing Process: If there is a shortage of raw materials, it leads to delays in the production schedule. When a new drug is being created, changes in the drug formulation process can also delay production. Other known factors include obsolete equipment, and limited production capabilities. All these factors will lead to the unavailability of a drug, which will lead to a rise in its price.


• Supply and Demand Problems: This point is a simple case of pharmaceutical economics. The demand for a particular drug can increase due to a growing epidemic, an extremely positive response to a drug, changes in therapeutic guidelines related to a medication, etc. Such issues can lead to a rise in the price of that product.


• Regulatory Issues: This is one area that is not well-known amongst patients. In North America 2014, Congress passed the Medicaid Generic Drug Price Fairness Act. The aim of the act was to ensure that drug manufacturers do not extend the price of a drug higher than the Consumer Price Index (CPI) during a financial quarter. If a manufacturer does this, then he is expected to pay a high penalty sum.

What has been argued by many experts is that, with the immense number of generic drugs in the market, there are multiple prices to consider. Also, generic drug manufacturers are exempt from the paying any inflation penalties. Due to this, the Act may not be able to help bring down the prices of generic drugs.

Is There a Solution?

While there is no complete solution to this problem as of now, efforts are being made to ensure that drug companies provide medicines at reasonable prices. Companies are taking the effort to collate data about drug price information. They are also analyzing pricing changes, so that they can make accurate price changes. Manufacturers cannot risk hiking the prices as they will have to pay a penalty to the Government. With such efforts underway, we can hope that the drug price problem will reach a consensus in the near future.

Usually, when I write posts about pharmaceuticals, I tend to focus on real world topics that are grabbing people’s attention. This time, I decided to go a little simple with this post. So what is the topic for today? Cold weather. To be more precise, the cold weather and how it affects your skin. Yes, I am talking about dermatology.

So… Why is This Important?

As you may know, dermatology is the branch of medicine that deals with the skin, nails, hair, and any diseases related with these body parts. The skin is the largest organ in the integumentary system. It covers a total area of 22 sq. ft. and weighs an average of four kg. It also consists of three different layers – dermis, epidermis, and subcutaneous tissues.

Ironically, this is one organ that we tend to ignore most of the time. After looking at the above mentioned statistics, wouldn’t you want to give your skin a little more attention? If yes, then let’s get down to it.

Dermatological Problems Faced During Winters

The winter season can be a huge deterrent to your health, especially for your skin. Extreme cold, and excess exposure to the same can lead to skin dryness, cracking, and even bleeding. You may also see redness on the skin, which occurs due to dryness. Excess exposure to the cold can even cause your skin to age faster.



5 Dermatological Tips to Maintain Healthy Skin during the Winters

There are a variety of tips, tricks, and techniques that you can use to keep your skin in good condition, so that you can really enjoy the winter season.

• Have Lukewarm Baths: I know that lukewarm baths in winters may be quite a stretch. However, the fact is, extremely hot baths can rid the skin of many oils that help in keeping it healthy. Less oils mean dry, brittle skin. Lukewarm baths can help maintain a certain level of moisture within the skin.


• Keep a Moisturizer Handy: As we tend to use our hands for many activities, the skin can become dry due to cold weather, and regular hand washing. Keep an oil based moisturizer with you. This can help maintain skin moisture, and create a protective layer over the skin. Ensure that you moisturize the moment you have dried your hands slightly. If commercial products do not suit you, there are a variety organic products that can do the job. Doux moisturizing soaps and lotions are good examples.


• Wear Gloves: Another simple solution to protect your hands and skin is to wear gloves. Apply a cream or moisturizer to your skin, wear your gloves and leave it for 30 minutes. The best time to do this is at night. Deep moisturization of your skin overnight is extremely helpful. To further protect your skin, you can wear gloves outside the house.


• Use Winter Sunscreen: While the combination of sun and cold wind or snow may feel beautiful, Ultraviolet rays that are reflected off of snow can damage the skin. Excessive exposure can even lead to skin cancer and premature wrinkling. One way to avoid this is to use special winter sunscreen lotions with Sun Protection Factor (SPF). This will moisturize the skin as well as prevent the rays from affecting it. Reapply the sunscreen every two hours.


• Hydrate: Many dermatologists and people in general disagree with the point that drinking certain liters of water can be good for your skin. The main reason for this is that while drinking water may hydrate the body, you still need to use moisturizers for the skin. The primary idea behind drinking fluids is to cleanse your body from the inside out. Drinking water help to keep your body hydrated. Besides water. Water based fruits like oranges, pineapples, grapes, or apple juice are good options as well. You can also consume oil based foods like omega-3 rich fish. Using fish oil in your cooking, and adding linseed oil to your diet can also help.


• Pay the Dermatologist a Visit: Home remedies and skincare products can only help you so far. It is important that you visit the dermatologist at periodic intervals, and take his help. A dermatologist can classify your skin type, create a skin care regimen, and even suggest tips to keep your skin healthy.

A combination of home remedies, organic skin care products, and periodic visits to the dermatologist can go a long way in gaining and maintaining clear beautiful skin.

Last week, I had written a post on the new trends that can be expected in the pharmaceutical industry in 2015. There is no doubt that while the healthcare system may become more efficient, it will also become more expensive.

With new medication being developed and released every year, it is extremely important that doctors and patients understand the right medication and dosage required to enable complete recovery from an ailment or condition.

When one thinks of pharmaceuticals, one usually imagines a drug company that sells various pharmaceuticals. However, this is just one part of the field. The field of pharmacy is not just the design and production of drugs, it also includes how the drugs should be provided in terms of quantity, quality, and price. This aspect of pharmacy is known as pharmacotherapy.

What is Pharmacotherapy?
To put it very simply, therapy that is provided using pharmaceutical drugs is known as pharmacotherapy. It comprises the safe, applicable, and cost-effective use of pharmaceutical drugs. It also involves studying the therapeutic effects of drugs in patients.

The primary healthcare professionals who are responsible for providing this medical service are pharmacotherapy specialists. They are directly responsible for the patient’s care, and are required to have extensive knowledge of pharmacotherapy, and current and new medications.

A pharmacotherapy specialist can help a patient in many ways:

• They can provide medicines to the patient.
• They share knowledge about medical conditions and medications with patients.
• They also have knowledge in terms of prescribing and administering medication.

Why is Pharmacotherapy Important?
Despite the fact that some over-the-counter medications are regularly taken by most patients, not all drugs react in the same way for every patient. There is always a chance of variability in the way the body responds to the drug. There are different factors that can cause the drug response to be varied:

• Age
• Disease
• Body size/composition
• Environmental factors
• Interaction of two drugs competing for the same internal body process

The pharmacotherapy specialist should be in a position to ascertain which drugs will be appropriate for the patient according to the above-mentioned factors, and ensure that no adverse drug interactions take place.

Benefits of Pharmacotherapy
The focus of pharmacotherapy is not the drug or even the disease. The main focus is the patient and his health. The proper use of pharmacotherapy can result in many benefits for the patient:

• Pharmacotherapy can be Used for Many Conditions: Pharmacotherapy is not limited to certain diseases or conditions. It can be used to treat physical, physiological, and psychological conditions.


• It Balances out the Condition: The main advantage of appropriate pharmacotherapy is that it helps stabilize the patient’s condition. This allows the patient to attain some mental freedom to perform his daily tasks with ease. For example, if a patient suffers from arthritis, and undergoes pharmacotherapy, the right dose of medications can give some relief to work, travel, etc.


• It can Support Extreme Cases: Proper dosage of medication can be of immense help to patients who may be in critical stages of a disease, or who require immediate attention and assistance. For example, appropriate pharmacotherapy can support the rehabilitation of patients who suffer from drug dependencies. It can also be used alongside behavioral therapy and other rehabilitation programs.


• It can Support Drug-free Living: Once a patient has reached a stabilized state, the pharmacotherapy specialist can gradually reduce the dosage to a point where the patient can live drug-free. This will aid in faster recovery and reduce dependency on medicines.

Applications of Pharmacotherapy
As mentioned earlier, pharmacotherapy can be used to help patients deal with all types of conditions. It can be used to help patients cope with a variety of physical and mental conditions such as:

• Osteoporosis
• Early stages of Cancer
• Substance Abuse Disorders
• Attention Deficiency Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

It can also be used to support various fields of medicine, including pediatrics and geriatrics.

Pharmacotherapy can be used as an effective tool in patient recovery and rehabilitation. Correct diagnoses, and the right combination and dosage of medication can even lead to complete disease remission. This helps in improving the quality of a patient’s life and those around him.

Having travelled to many countries and continents around the world, I think it is safe for me to say, I am a globe trekker. And so far, the journey has been amazing, to say the least.

No amount of words can do justice to the beautiful places I have been to, the wonderful people I have met, and the incredible experiences I have had. I have enjoyed, learnt, and grown so much through these travels that I decided to take my family along for many of them. Suffice to say, they feel the same way.

So why am I talking about travelling? The reason is simple – I would love for you to experience what I have experienced! Believe me friends, I can write a book about my adventures and it won’t do you any good. You have to see and experience it to believe it.

While I have met many people who share my love for travelling, I have also met people who are not of the same mindset. When I have spoken about this to people, many have simply shrugged their shoulders and ask, “So what’s the point?” This statement is the main reason behind my post today. So here are…

Reasons Why You Should Travel the World


The points below are just a few things that I have realized through my various travels:

• The Simplest Reason: It’s Fun: You can never understand the joy that comes from travelling until you actually do it. Sure, you may have to plan things in advance, ensure that you have the necessary supplies, cash, documents, etc. But it’s all part of the process, and it adds to the enjoyment. Knowing that you are fully prepared can allow you to stand back and take on anything whatever’s coming your way. And let me ask you frankly, isn’t not knowing part of the fun?


• Food, Food, Food: Yes, this word is a major reason for me to pack my bag. And I’m not joking. You can actually learn so much about a country and its culture by simply tasting the local delicacies. I particularly enjoyed India’s local dishes. They have certainly opened my eyes to the country, its people, their food culture (it’s huge), and their core beliefs.


• You Get Reintroduced to Yourself: Too many times, especially when we have accomplished all our goals, we start thinking, “This is it. I don’t need to do or know anything else.” But when you travel, you realize that there is so much you can, and need to learn about yourself. Whether you are lazing by a pool or ocean, trekking through a jungle, or taking in all the sights and sounds of a city, every new experience can help you learn a little more about yourself.


• It makes you Open Minded: Let me put this very simply – travelling can help you expand your horizons and beliefs. I have met some amazing people through my travels, and have had the opportunity to go out of my comfort zone and help a stranger. When you see the way these so called ‘strangers’ treat you and others, you realize there is so much more to life than you know.


• It’s a New Challenge: Sometimes I wish I was a polyglot (that’s the ability to speak multiple languages). Certainly my travels would have been a lot easier. It can be a challenge when you’re in a foreign country, and you can’t find the way to the hotel or some place because the locals can’t speak your language. While it may seem like a nightmare at the time, when you’re back home, it can be a hilarious story to tell your friends. Also, it becomes a wonderful memory.

I have tried to condense my thoughts for this post. If you enjoyed this one, maybe I can write a ‘part deux’ for you. For now, I would like to suggest, if you have an opportunity to take a trip to new city or land, close your eyes and accept. I can promise you, you will not regret it.

When it comes to fatal diseases, cancer is probably the first topic of conversation. There is no doubt that unless cancer growth is caught and treated early, there is a good likelihood of it turning fatal.

Finding a cure to cancer has been a high priority for many companies and laboratories. The result of this has been many medications, many of them still at clinical trials, which can reduce the cancer growth from a fatal to a treatable stage. A few well-known examples of such medications are:

• Carlfizomib – used for treating multiple myeloma
• Tivozanib – used in the treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma
• XL184 (Cabozantinib) - This is known to be effective in fighting prostate cancer
• T-DM1 (Trastuzumab-DM1) – This is well-known medication used for breast cancer

Finding an Organic Cancer Solution
However, the drug companies aren’t the only ones who are trying to find a medication that can cure or help cure this disease. Quality research is also being done in finding a suitable organic solution, one that will focus only on destroying the cancer without affecting body’s healthy cells.

The latest news comes from the stem cell research lab at the University of Manchester. Scientists have found a way to use graphene, an allotrope of carbon, to target and destroy cancer cells in the body. The team of researchers that was conducting the study included Dr. Federica Sotgia, Dr. Aravind Vijayaraghavan, and was headed by Professor Michael Lisanti, Director of the Manchester Centre for Cellular Metabolism.

Understanding Graphene
As mentioned earlier, graphene is an allotrope of carbon. It is also a non-toxic material. Graphene oxide can easily enter or affix itself to cell surfaces. It is also known to maintain its stability in water. The team utilized graphene oxide, a modified form of the original allotrope, to target cancer stem cells within the body.

How Does it Work in Curing Cancer?
Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs) are capable of growing different types of cancer tumors within the body. The cells aid in metastasis, the spread of cancer to various parts of the body. Also, they are the cells responsible for the recurrence of cancer in a patient.

The team of researchers found that CSCs separate from the other cancer cells to form what are called tumor spheres – small masses of differentiated cancer cells. The team introduced flakes of graphene oxide onto the CSCs. What the team observed was, not only did the oxide prevent the CSCs from forming tumor spheres, many mutated into non-cancer cells.

From these positive results, the team tested graphene oxide on different parts of the body where CSCs were found to have been the cause for cancer:

• Brain
• Breast
• Lung
• Prostate
• Ovarian
• Pancreatic

The research team also found that graphene oxide prevented the formation of tumor spheres in all the tested types of the disease. They hopes that this new discovery will lead to more extensive studies, and graphene oxide can be proven to be a therapeutic in cancer prevention.

A Second Coming

This is not the first time a research team has made such a discovery. In 2011, Canadian researchers at the University of Edmonton claimed that they had found a cure for cancer. They were able to make this discovery after performing tests on a synthetic drug called dichloroacetate. This is a chemical that causes cancer cells within the body to abandon their metabolic growth process. The chemical also causes the mitochondria in the body to kill the cancer cells. Also, the research team found that dichloroacetate did not have any side effects or long-term effects. However, medication manufacturing companies were unable to test and mass produce this chemical into a useable drug. You can read more about this study here.

What is in Store in the Future?

While there is a still a long way to go before graphene oxide can be termed as a useable drug, there is a possibility of it becoming a realistic option for cancer therapy. This can be a glimmer of hope for many cancer patients, who are waiting for a cure that does not cause harm to the body while ridding it of the disease.

If there is one sport that I find really exhilarating, it is tennis. While this is one of the major sports played here in New Zealand, it is certainly one that captured my imagination instantly. There is something about it that makes it an exhilarating sport to play. It calls for the player to play hard, play fast, but play intelligently. There are various reasons that will make you want to pick up a racket and get onto the courts.

What I Love about Tennis?

After pharmaceuticals, this is one subject that I could talk about for hours on end. But obviously, I would not want to bore you, my fellow bloggers. So here are five things that I love about tennis.

• It’s a One-on-One Game: With the exception of playing doubles, the wonderful thing about tennis is that it has a one-on-one, almost gladiatorial feel. Two men or women face off against each other on the courts with no teammates, and try to ensure that the opponent cannot return the serve. This setting creates a huge amount of adrenaline, which adds to your playing experience.


• Tactics Talk: This is not a hit-and-score kind of game. You have to be extremely tactical in your movements and strikes to ensure that you get the point. The great thing is, you have to make these decisions in a split second. If you don’t, you could lose a point and maybe even the match. You also have to observe your opponent’s game and figure out his moves, so that you will be in a position to return the serves effectively. The style in which you play is also important. You need to create a certain amount of finesse in your playing if you really want to get good at the game.


• Excitement is the Key: Speed is one of the biggest factors that gets people to watch or play this sport. For me, playing a hard, fast game creates immense tension and excitement. Imagine, first you have to be prepared for the serve. Then you have to figure where the ball will land. You will have to time your return, so that the ball will land across the net at the right speed, and on the spot that you want. And all these decisions have to be made in seconds once the ball is served. Need I say more?


• No Guarantees of Winning: When you are on the court, it can be any player’s game. Even if a player starts off slow, maybe losing the first set, there is no guarantee that the game is in the bag. Your opponent can make a strong comeback in the remaining sets, and create a tie-break situation, or even win the match. So this means, you always have to be on your toes when playing the game.


• It is a Complete Package: Tennis provides an all-round experience. The fitness factor is obvious – you increase your stamina as well as your strength, due to the racquet and serves. You become more agile, as you have to react quickly to your opponent’s return of serves. You also become more imaginative in your thinking; constantly figuring out solutions so that you can have that extra point.

These five points are just a few of my thoughts on the game. Having written this post, I now cannot wait to get back on the court tomorrow.

The New Year is already into its second month. It is around this time that many companies around the globe turn their attention to the various trends that are currently taking place in different industries. They also create reports and provide suggestions on what could be seen in the near future.

These reports are important as they provide extensive research and important facts, which can be used by organizations around the world to improve their business strategies, product innovations, service offerings, and sales and marketing strategies.

Keeping this in mind, I decided to look at some of the trends that are taking place in healthcare and pharmaceutical industries in 2015.

Global Trends that Can Impact the Pharmaceutical Industry in 2015
Here are some of the important trends that are taking place in North America, Europe, and developing countries:

• Emerging Markets for More Pharma Sales: Emerging markets like Russia, China, and India, are important factors to consider in 2015. There are two primary reasons for the same. These countries are looking for pharmaceutical products to address specific medical needs. Also, most new markets have an increased amount of spending power.
  
  What This Means for Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals: Emerging markets present a great opportunity to provide new pharma products to customers across the globe. Also, pharmaceutical companies can attempt to create a stronger global footing in terms of product sales. New markets will also encourage companies to increase R&D on healthcare products, which can treat specific diseases in various countries.



• Healthcare on your Smartphone: With the release of Apple’s Health app in the summer of 2014, the healthcare industry is seeing a revolutionary change. Earlier, medical apps were only used by physicians. Now, patients will be in a position to use apps like Apple’s to determine a diagnosis, and speak to their physicians for advice on treatment.
  
  What This Means for Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals: On one hand, medical apps can help smoothen out the diagnoses and treatment processes. Physicians can use them to access databases and prescribe the ideal medicines. It can also help a physician to collect data when a patient will go to visit him. On the other hand, the healthcare pharmaceutical industries will have to be prepared to provide more transparent health systems to the public.



• High Medical Costs will lead to Innovative Solutions: According to a health study performed by analytics company IMS Health, the global expenditure for healthcare in 2014 had risen $26 billion in 2012 to $70 billion in 2014. With continually rising medical costs, the public will have to look at more affordable solutions. Like the health apps, other medical devices and innovative solutions are being created by healthcare technology organizations to bring down medical costs. A few examples of these are:
  
  
  • Home chemotherapy
  
  
  • Wireless checking of pacemakers
  
  
  • Conducting ECGs with medical apps on your phone
  
  
  • Sending digital photos of physical ailments to physicians for consultations
  
  
  What This Means for Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals: Innovative solutions like the ones mentioned above can lead to doctors and companies providing better solutions in terms of companion devices for diagnosing diseases, improved suggestions for pharma medicines, self-monitoring of diseases by patients, and personalized medical care.



• Rise in Medical Costs will Require Evidence: Pharmaceutical companies as well as healthcare establishments will have to provide data to substantiate the prices of medicines as well as procedures.
  
  What This Means for Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals: These organizations will need to be in a position to customize the information for specific groups such as patients and stakeholders.



• Innovation will be Driven by Transparency of Information: Following the signing of the AllTrials Petition in North America to publish all findings of clinical trials, the European Medical Association is following suit. This year, the association will be publishing all clinical trial data, which supports the authorization of new drugs in Europe.
  
  What This Means for Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals: This will ensure that there are no trial duplications. It can also encourage pharmaceutical companies to come up with more innovative solutions and medications. It can also lead to collaborations between pharma and medical device manufacturing organizations.

These are just some of the trends that are being predicted by experts for the rest of the year. Looking at the findings, there is no doubt that there will be tremendous change taking place in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries in the near future.

If you’ve been in New Zealand for a long time, chances are, you will be into a variety of hobby activities – be it sports, entertainment, or travelling. And my family and I are no different. There are a variety of activities that tickle our fancy.

Sports Galore!

As Aucklanders, sports are among our favorite pastimes. Auckland is famous for cricket, rugby, tennis, football, sailing and more. And we locals can’t get enough of them.

Sailing has been a passion of mine for many years. A trip on the boat is just what I need to de-stress and relax. For my family, taking the boat out is a lot of fun, because we always try and find a nice, calm spot where we can drop anchor and go fishing.

I’m proud to say I have caught a few a beautiful snappers and crayfish, which we have enjoyed over a nice barbie (that’s barbeque, not the doll). Tennis is also a sport I enjoy playing. The beautiful Auckland morning weather creates the perfect atmosphere to put on my sports shoes, grab the tennis racket, and go a few rounds on the court.



Let’s Fly Away

Travelling for the family and I has become more than a passion. We ensure that we visit a new place every time we plan a trip abroad.

I have travelled quite a bit around Europe. My UK connection (I worked in Essex for three years) led me to travel across the continent, and learn more about the various cultures, histories, and of course, the food.

While Europe is a favorite, we also love going to countries where we will get a lot of sun and sand (maybe we’re looking for a piece of home elsewhere).

The country that is most special to us is Hawaii. Its beautiful beaches, lovely people, amazing food, and historic culture are some things that we identify with to a great extent. Also, the Polynesian connection makes us feel at home.

We travelled to Maldives on one occasion, and we were simply astonished by its beauty. The stunning beaches, crystal clear water, and numerous fish delicacies have made such a mark on us, we can’t wait to go back.

I have also travelled to India many times. I think it is a beautiful country, and one trip is never enough as there is so much to see.

But it’s Not Just about Hobbies…

…The truth is, these activities are just one of the many reasons that I can spend time with my family. After all, you can’t truly enjoy success or happiness if you don’t have a family to share it with.

Hi,

I’m Kerry Donald Bell, and I would like to welcome you to my Blog.

Here, you can:

Learn More About – My Life, Work, Passions, and Successes.

Find News about the Latest Pharmacy Happenings, Trends, and Changes.

Increase your Knowledge on the Latest Pharma Products.

Before We Start…



A Little Bit about Me:

• Born: 1960
• From: Auckland, New Zealand
• Job: Pharmaceutical Consultant, Investor/ Venture capitalist

My Accomplishments!

• Former Manager, Airport Oaks Pharmacy
• Director, Marigold Investment

Why Pharmacy - From the get-go, pharmacy was my first passion. I knew that I wanted to work in this field early on. So, at the age of 21, I did my Diploma in Pharmacy from the Central Institute of Technology, Heretaunga, New Zealand in 1981, receiving high credits for the course.

Early Successes - I began my career at Lockingtons Pharmacy in Auckland. When I first began in 1982, I was only a young intern. With hard work, passion, and dedication, I advanced to the position of Head Pharmacist in Suburban Pharmacy by 1985.

I love travelling, and I always dreamt of visiting the United Kingdom. I got that opportunity through my work, when I got the chance to work as Manager of Shadforths Pharmacy Group, Chelmsford Essex. I handled 7 pharmacies across Essex County from 1985 to 1986.

Going for the Gold - But I always had bigger dreams – to own my own company in the pharmaceutical industry! So, in 1987, I returned home to New Zealand, and started Kingsland Pharmacy. This grew into a successful business, which continued till 2000. Another accomplishment I am proud of is holding the position of Additional Director, Brinton Pharmaceuticals, UK.

Today, I specialize in providing Consulting/Advisory Services to National and Multinational Pharmaceutical Companies.

So that’s my life in a nutshell.

Now, Let’s Get Started….